In 2013, Tohoku University established the Tohoku Forum for Creativity (TFC), the first international visitor research institute in Japan. TFC will hold several three-month scientific programs, called Thematic Programs, to bring together junior and senior scholars from various scientific disciplines related to the program themes. The aim of these programs is to identify important problems across all of the sciences and humanities, and to develop innovative ideas and deeper theoretical foundations through intensive, focused discussions. Junior researchers such as graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are especially encouraged to participate in these programs.