On May 29, 2026, Prof. Claire O’Malley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global) at Durham University, visited Tohoku University and met with Executive Vice President Toshiya Ueki.
The aim of their meeting was to look into the possibility of new research collaborations between the two universities, and productive discussions were held regarding a wide range of fields.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor O’Malley suggested exploring possibilities for cooperation in fields such as disaster risk management, quantum science, nuclear fusion, business, biotechnology, and Arctic research. All of these are important areas of research for both Japan and the UK and are fields in which international collaborative research is expected to develop.
Tohoku University’s international contributions in Southeast Asia in the field of disaster science were praised, and discussions were accordingly held about collaborations with the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience at Durham University, with the aim of deepening cooperation in the future.
In addition, Pro-Vice-Chancellor O’Malley shared information about the increasing number of natural disasters in the UK, such as floods and heat waves, and it was pointed out that serious challenges exist with respect to water resource management and storage. In terms of responding to these challenges, she said that Durham University expects to learn from Japan’s expertise in disaster prevention and mitigation, and the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration between the two universities was emphasized.
Afterwards, Pro-Vice-Chancellor O’Malley met with Associate Professor Nghia Chi Nguyen of the Graduate School of Economics and Management and visited the International Research Institute of Disaster Science.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor O’Malley with EVP Ueki
At the International Research Institute of Disaster Science
From left: Prof. Takako Izumi, Deputy Director of the International Research Institute of Disaster Science; Pro-Vice-Chancellor O’Malley; Mr. Peter Bainbridge, International
Contact:
Global Engagement Division, Tohoku University
Email: kokusai-k@grp.tohoku.ac.jp