Ohio State University Delegation Visit to University of Tsukuba: Strengthening Global Partnerships
On March 27, 2025, the University of Tsukuba hosted a delegation from The Ohio State University (OSU) as part of a week-long tour in Japan aimed at exploring collaborative opportunities between the two institutions. The visiting delegation included Professor Kaya Sahin, Vice Provost for Global Strategies and International Affairs, and Dr. Rita Koryan, Director of International External Engagement.
Key Initiatives Discussed
The visit began with a meeting led by Tsukuba’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Kato Mitsuyasu, alongside outgoing Vice President for Global Affairs, Ikeda Jun. During this discussion, attendees focused on several key initiatives, including the University of Tsukuba’s cooperative graduate school system, the Social Impact (SI) Project, and the Inclusive Smart Society (ISS) Program, a MEXT-funded initiative launched in partnership with OSU in 2023.
Shared Spaces for International Collaboration
Professor Sahin conveyed OSU’s goals of establishing global hubs and expressed interest in utilizing shared spaces at the University of Tsukuba for Campus-in-Campus partners as a potential base of operations in Japan.
Visit to the Center for Artificial Intelligence
The delegation also visited the Center for Artificial Intelligence, where they interacted with Director Sakurai Tetsuya and faculty from the Institute of Systems and Information Engineering.
Networking Luncheon
A luncheon was held to include faculty members such as Professor Morio Takahiro, Assistant Professor Akiyama Hajime, and Associate Professor Lee Seung Hee, along with students from the ISS Program. This gathering provided an opportunity for the OSU delegation to learn about the ongoing projects and demonstrations conducted by students at the University of Tsukuba. An afternoon session featured a hybrid lecture by Professor Sahin and Dr. Koryan, discussing challenges and opportunities in international collaboration, which was well attended by over 30 faculty and staff members.
Strengthening Partnerships
This visit served to strengthen the partnership between Ohio State University and the University of Tsukuba, highlighting the potential for transdisciplinary research, faculty exchanges, and educational innovation.
Commitment to International Collaboration
The interactions between the two institutions reflect a commitment to enhancing educational programs and fostering international collaboration in academia.
Source: https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/news/20250409170942.html
