Tohoku University Delegation’s Visit to UC San Diego: Strengthening Collaboration in Research and Innovation
A delegation from Tohoku University visited the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) from June 23 to 25, 2025. The delegation included Executive Vice President Asako Sugimoto, Executive Vice President Toshiya Ueki, and Associate Executive Vice President Atsuhiro Nakagawa. This visit followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the institutions earlier in June, aimed at establishing collaborative opportunities in areas such as materials science, semiconductors, life sciences, and disaster prevention, with plans for future expansions into additional fields.
Day 1: Discussions on Oceanography
On the first day of the visit, discussions commenced with Associate Executive Vice President Nakagawa and Professor Toshio Suga, the Director of the Tohoku University & JAMSTEC Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change, who met with Dr. Margaret Leinen, Director of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Professor Shang-Ping Xie, an alumnus of Tohoku University. The focus was on exploring potential collaborations in the field of oceanography.
Day 2: Insights into Life Sciences
On June 24, attention shifted to the life sciences sector. Dr. Karandeep Singh, Chief Health AI Officer at UCSD Health, presented on innovative initiatives in data science, while Dr. Christopher Longhurst, Chief Clinical & Innovation Officer, shared insights regarding UCSD Health operations. The delegation also toured the Center for the Future of Surgery at UCSD’s School of Medicine, recognized as one of the leading surgical simulation facilities globally. Discussions, led by Executive Vice President Ueki, helped clarify a shared vision for future collaborations between the two institutions.
Day 3: Interdisciplinary Collaborations
The final day of the visit included a meeting hosted by Dr. Albert Pisano, Dean of the Jacobs School of Engineering and Special Adviser to the Chancellor of UCSD, at Franklin Antonio Hall, which is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaborations to address significant societal challenges. Dr. Pisano, who has previously served as an International Advisor to Tohoku University, outlined the building’s purpose and facilitating structure, leading to discussions on startup support projects and student exchange programs.
This visit is regarded as a key step toward enhancing the collaborative relationship between Tohoku University and UCSD, with both institutions expressing optimism regarding prospective academic and research partnerships.
(Source: Tohoku University News)
