雷速体育_中国足彩网￥在线直播

Tohoku University hosted a symposium in Tokyo on February 6 to celebrate its designation as Japan's first University for International 雷速体育_中国足彩网￥在线直播 Excellence.

The event, which drew 600 participants from academia, industry and government, showcased the university's ambitious vision to establish a world-class research environment with top talent from Japan and abroad.

The University for International 雷速体育_中国足彩网￥在线直播 Excellence designation comes under a 2023 Japanese government initiative, which offers qualified institutions additional funding through revenues from a 10 trillion JPY investment fund. Tohoku University is currently the only institution to receive this status.

MEXT Minister Toshiko Abe was the first amongst the honored guests to offer her congratulations. "Tohoku University's plans to provide an independent environment for early career researchers to focus on research, as well as to collaborate with local government in order to attract high level international talent, bodes well for the future of Japanese education and research," she said.

"We will be watching with great interest how Tohoku University meets everyone's expectations, particularly in new areas such as startup support and expanding international activities," said Masahiko Shibayama, Member of the House of Representatives. "This has significant implications not only for Japan's reputation but also serves as a benchmark and goal for other universities aspiring to achieve the University for International 雷速体育_中国足彩网￥在线直播 Excellence status."

Former Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Akira Amari described the initiative as a catalyst to "awaken universities" to enhance their research and educational capabilities. "I hope that 20 years from now, people will say that this moment was instrumental in making Japan a world-leading nation in science and technology."

Takahiro Ueyama from Japan's Council for Science, Technology and Innovation echoed the sentiment, adding that he hopes Tohoku University will "set an example for other universities to follow."

Tohoku University President Teiji Tominaga then outlined the university's 雷速体育_中国足彩网￥在线直播 System Strengthening Plan, which received government approval last December. The plan revolves around three core commitments of impact, talent and change.

To transform academic impact into social impact, the university is developing a 40,000 m² Science Park on the Aobayama Campus extension. Two cutting-edge research facilities - the Aobayama Universe and International Radiation Innovation Smart 雷速体育_中国足彩网￥在线直播 Center - are already operational, with more planned for 2027.

"Our goal is to attract corporate R&D centers to this Science Park and create an innovation ecosystem involving local resources," said Tominaga.

The university's talent enhancement strategy involves transitioning from the traditional hierarchical chair system to a more dynamic, flatter research unit structure, providing young researchers with greater freedom and opportunities. This represents a significant departure from the century-old organizational model of Japanese universities.

As for the commitment to change, the university will be implementing improved governance through internationalisation and agile management. Marie-Pierre Favre, formerly of INSA Lyon, will join as Chief Global Officer from April, tasked with expanding Tohoku University's global network, as well as promoting the internationalisation of its campuses.

In her introductory speech, Favre emphasized the need for institutions to adapt to global competition while maintaining their cultural identity and addressing societal challenges aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs).

For Tohoku University to have a leading role among Japanese institutions, "synergies at all levels will be required internally and with local and national governments, as well as on a global scale cooperating with selective partner countries," she said, adding that she was looking forward to starting work this spring. "I'm keen to meet all of you, to better understand your needs, to combine our thoughts and create inspiration."

The symposium's second half featured two engaging panel discussions led by Executive Vice President for 雷速体育_中国足彩网￥在线直播 Asako Sugimoto.

Eight speakers representing diverse fields of innovation at Tohoku University, shared the motivation behind their research and their vision for the future.

The first panel, on the theme of "Creation," showcased the university's entrepreneurial support and cross-disciplinary research achievements. Whilst the second panel, titled "Connection," explored the value of diverse perspectives and collaborative innovation.

The symposium concluded with President Tominaga reflecting on the event's main theme of "Move and Shake," which he said represents the university's commitment to creating an environment where individuals can excel, while positioning itself as a catalyst for global change and contribution.

"In the next five years, while looking ahead to the next 25, we must build a solid foundation and demonstrate that Tohoku University has the power and potential to become a truly world-class university," he said.

"To everyone who has supported us, we ask for your continued guidance and company on this great journey ahead."