Akio Makishima is a Professor for the Institute for Planetary Materials at Okayama University. He obtained his Ph.D. from Tokyo University under supervision of Professor Akimasa Masuda. After three years in the Analytical Research Center of Nippon Steel Co. Ltd, he was appointed assistant professor and finally obtained professorship. His research interests deal primarily with planetary science and geochemistry. He has authored over 60 scientific publications and two books.