Overview
- Name: German-Japanese University Alliance (HeKKSaGOn)
HeKKSaGOn:Heidelberg, Kyoto, Karlsruhe, Tohoku (in Sendai), Göttingen, Osaka – Network - Established: 2010
- Member Institutions:
Germany: Heidelberg University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, University of Göttingen
Japan: Tohoku University, Kyoto University, The University of Osaka - Website：https://www.hekksagon.net
HeKKSaGOn is a bilateral consortium established in 2010 to promote academic exchange between leading universities in Japan and Germany. Its activities include researcher and student exchanges, joint research projects, and programs such as summer schools. The name “HeKKSaGOn” is derived from the initials of the member universities and their locations: Heidelberg, Kyoto, Karlsruhe, Tohoku (Sendai), Göttingen, and Osaka.
Priority Areas
At the Presidents’ Conference held at the University of Göttingen in September 2023, three priority areas aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were identified for focused collaboration:
1.Transcultural Studies and the Transformation of Societies
2.Data Science, Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
3.Life Science, Medicine and Changing Environments
Past Activities
HeKKSaGOn organizes Presidents’ Conferences every 2 years, collaborative research through working groups, and schools for doctoral students and early-career researchers. Tohoku University hosted the 8th Presidents’ Conference on September 9–10, 2021.
Past Presidents’ Conferences
| Edition | Date | Host Institution | Report | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | Oct 30–31, 2025 | The University of Osaka | For more information | |
| 9th | Sept 21–22, 2023 | University of Göttingen | For more information | |
| 8th | Sept 9–10, 2021 | Tohoku University | For more information | |
| 7th | Sept 12–13, 2019 | Heidelberg University | ||
| 6th | Apr 12–13, 2018 | The University of Osaka | ||
| 5th | Sept 29–30, 2016 | Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | ||
| 4th | Apr 16–17, 2015 | Tohoku University | ||
| 3rd | Sept 12–13, 2013 | University of Göttingen | ||
| 2nd | Mar 29–30, 2012 | Kyoto University | ||
| 1st | Jul 29–30, 2010 | Heidelberg University |
Voices from Participating Students
I participated in the student workshop at the 10th HeKKSaGOn Presidents’ Conference, held at the University of Osaka on October 30–31, 2025, as a student representative from Tohoku University.
The workshop brought together students from the six Japanese–German partner universities, who discussed the future of transdisciplinary research under the theme “Transdisciplinary Initiatives and Alliance Building for Global Futures.” My group consisted of students specializing in Physics, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Studies, and Behavioral Science. Together, we explored effective approaches to science communication by integrating models and practical examples across our respective disciplines. In the final session, our group presented proposals on the potential of communication research that leverages the strengths of different academic fields.
Through this experience, I gained a deeper appreciation for the long-standing academic ties between Japanese and German universities, as well as the creativity that emerges when students with diverse backgrounds collaborate. The opportunity to expand my perspective in behavioral science and statistics within an international and interdisciplinary context has become an invaluable foundation for my future research career.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the presidents of the six universities for providing this valuable opportunity, to the staff of the University of Osaka for their warm support, and to the Global Engagement Division of Tohoku University for making my participation possible. This experience has been an irreplaceable source of learning and inspiration for me.
Yuya Tano, Fourth-year student, School of Arts and Letters
Group photo of student workshop participants (Front row, third from left: Yuya Tano)
Contact
Global Engagement Division, Tohoku University
Email: kokusai-k@grp.tohoku.ac.jp