The University of Washington-Tohoku University Academic Open Space (hereinafter ‘AOS’) carries out activities to promote academic, student, and faculty exchanges between the two universities.
On March 21-22, the University of Washington’s Interim Vice Provost for Global Affairs, Prof. Gayle Christensen, and the dean of its College of Engineering, Nancy Allbritton, visited Tohoku University as part of the AOS activities.
On the first day of the visit, Vice Provost Christensen and Dean Allbritton met with Vice President Masahiro Yamaguchi. Following an introduction to Tohoku University, the group discussed specific proposals to strengthen collaborations between both universities, such as facilitating the promotion of exchange programs for students and early-career researchers.
After the meeting, the guests exchanged discussions about efforts related to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) with the Center for DEI’s Deputy Director, Prof. Mami Tanaka, and Senior Assistant Professor, Prof. Sunhee Lee while enjoying lunch together.
In the afternoon, the delegation moved to Aobayama Campus, where Prof. Christensen met with Prof. Shinichi Egawa and Associate Prof. Anawat Suppasri at the International Research Institute of Disaster Science. At the same time, Prof. Allbritton met with the dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Prof. Yoshifumi Saijo, and visited Prof. Makoto Kanzaki’s research laboratory.
After their respective meetings, the two UW professors regrouped and met with faculty members associated with the Global Learning Center and the International Office within the School of Engineering, who introduced them to some of Tohoku University’s student exchange programs.
They also met with the dean of the Graduate School of Engineering, Prof. Ito Akinori, and other faculty members. At this meeting, the guests received an overview of the work, researchers, and initiatives at the School of Engineering, for which Tohoku University is particularly well known.
On the following day, the guests met with the director of the Research Center for Green X-Tech, Prof. Tomonaga Okabe, who gave them an overview of the center and of prospects in the field of clean energy.
It is hoped that this visit will lead to the strengthening of the cooperative relationship between the two universities and that both universities together will lead the way to innovation in the global community.