OU Master Plan 2027 – Aspiring to be a University Dedicated to Creating a Society where Each Member Leads a Meaningful and Fulfilling Life

From “Social Contribution” to “Social Creation”

I am pleased to share with you the OU Master Plan 2027, an upgraded vision for Osaka University’s fourth medium-term goal period (FY2022-2027) and beyond, after extensive dialogue with internal and external stakeholders. Beginning in April 2022, this plan sets the direction for our university’s future.

With this Master Plan, we aim to go one step further from the traditional mission of “social contribution” to “social creation.” Such a move reflects high expectations and significant challenges we face both nationally and globally. The third medium-term goal period (FY2016-2021) witnessed momentous changes in the operation environment for national universities, with the introduction of a series of university reform policies by the government, most notably the establishment of the Designated University Corporation system.

Moreover, universities are confronted with growing anticipation from society to cultivate talent and foster innovation in a major reorientation of social systems to tackle challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuit of the SDGs and carbon neutrality. Osaka University must marshal our collective knowledge and wisdom, actively pursue co-creation with society, and manifest our capacity to transform society.

With this Master Plan as a guide, Osaka University will take another bold step forward to create “a society where each member leads a meaningful and fulfilling life” together with stakeholders throughout society.

NISHIO Shojiro

18th President, Osaka University