Kick-Off Symposium for the University of Tsukuba's Inter-University Exchange Project (EU) Held

On Tuesday, May 20, the kick-off symposium for the University of Tsukuba's Inter-University Exchange Project with EU countries titled "International Cooperative Education Program with EU Universities for Interdisciplinary Fields of Nano-, Quantum, Information, and Bio- Technologies" was held in the Central Library Conference Room at the University of Tsukuba.

As a part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) initiative, this program aims to promote student exchange at the master's level between the University of Tsukuba's Graduate School of Science and Technology, and six partner universities in Europe: Université Grenoble Alpes, University of Bordeaux, Ruhr University Bochum, University of Bonn, KU Leuven, and Utrecht University. The goal is to foster the development of global talent capable of driving innovation across disciplines and borders.

Before the symposium, a pre-event was held in the Student Commons on the 2nd floor of Building 1A to promote interaction between students from the University of Tsukuba and representatives from the partner universities. Around 30 students interested in the exchange program visited the booths of the partner universities and listened attentively to their presentations.

The afternoon symposium began with opening remarks from Prof. KATO Mitsuyasu, Vice President for Education, followed by an overview of the program presented by the project leader, Prof. KURODA, Dean of the Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences. A keynote lecture was then delivered by Prof. TAKAGI Toshiyuki, Director of the JSPS Strasbourg Office, after which representatives from the partner universities gave presentations introducing their institutions and outlining their international exchange initiatives.

Following the symposium, a reception was held at the Soup Factory on the 2nd floor of Building 1A. The event provided a warm and collegial setting for active discussion and networking, making for a highly meaningful and productive conclusion to the day.

As the program moves into full implementation, further strengthening of collaborations with partner universities is highly anticipated.