From May 19, 2025, the University of Rennes in France held a five-day training program called “International Staff Week.” Designed for university staff working in international affairs, library services, and finance, the program aimed to share knowledge and build professional networks. This training program aims to share best practices and build networks within three key areas: international affairs, library services, and finance.
A total of 47 participants from countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Georgia, and Ukraine took part this year. Tohoku University was the only Asian institution represented at the event.
Two Tohoku University staff members who specialize in international affairs and library services participated in the program. Through the program, they deepened their understanding of the role libraries play in promoting open science and the internationalization of higher education institutions in non-English-speaking countries.
This initiative contributes to developing staff who support Tohoku University’s comprehensive internationalization efforts.
Tohoku University began an academic exchange program with the University of Rennes in 1995, starting with an economics department agreement. In 2000, the two universities signed a university-wide academic exchange agreement. Over the years, the two institutions have developed strong collaborative relationships in fields such as physics and chemistry. Further exchanges, including administrative-level exchanges, are anticipated in the future.
