Message from the Executive Vice Presidents for Global Affairs
With globalization advancing at an unprecedented pace, global issues related to energy, food, climate change, and infectious diseases are becoming increasingly pressing.
Such challenges cannot be solved by a single university, country, or region alone. In addition to international collaboration in academic research and higher education, international partnerships between universities are necessary. Additionally, solid inter-university partnerships will only grow in importance as we seek solutions to these worldwide issues, and the initiatives promoted by the university in research, education, culture, art, and medicine are expected to solve them. Universities have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of humanity and world peace. To this end, we will build a sustainable international network, promote global cooperation with various stakeholders, and seek solutions to global challenges.
In 2022, we established the OU (Osaka University) Master Plan 2027 with the hope of creating “a society where each member leads a meaningful and fulfilling life.” In a major orientation of social systems to tackle challenges such as the pandemic and the 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.
Osaka University hopes to see our above-stated goals become a reality. As such, we are promoting a variety of global partnership projects through joint efforts within the university. Among those partnerships, we would particularly like to highlight three initiatives: our exchange programs, Global Knowledge Partners (GKP), and Osaka University ASEAN Campuses.
Osaka University promotes bilateral student exchange through Double Degree Programs, exchange programs with overseas universities, and more. Having experienced a pandemic, virtual study abroad programs have been implemented as well. To recruit talented international students, the university uses various methods for information-sharing and holds study abroad fairs online. Moving forward, initiatives will also include the creation of an educational environment that attracts diverse students from all over the world. Students will receive continuous support at every stage; before entering university and after graduating/completing their studies at Osaka University. |
Currently, Osaka University has about 150 inter-university academic and exchange agreements with countries and regions all over the world. Based on these agreements, we are further deepening and expanding our strategic partnerships and establishing inter-organizational initiatives with leading overseas universities. Such connections enable us to establish the world's foremost research hubs and make use of their cutting-edge academic output to tackle the challenges of today's world. |
Connecting Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia, the Osaka University ASEAN Campuses were founded as a result of the international joint research achieved so far with ASEAN countries. By offering Osaka University’s educational programs at these campuses, the project aims to foster individuals and promote research that will help solve the challenges of the ASEAN region. These activities are realized by applying research outcomes to society through co-creation with industry, government, and academia overseas and in Japan. |
Osaka University will accept researchers from all over the world so as to blend a variety of knowledge and skills. In doing so, it is our hope that our campuses will become places where talented, innovative thinkers are educated, and outstanding research is produced. Furthermore, it is through these initiatives that we aim to contribute to achieving the SDGs.
We always appreciate the support of our global partners and look forward to continuing collaborations.
Thank you.
TANAKA Manabu
Executive Vice President for Global Engagement
YAMAMOTO Beverley Anne
Executive Vice President for International Affairs (Education)