[AY2026] Activity at Oversea Centers

On September 29, 2026, MA Ninshu, Director of the East Asia Center of the Institute for International Initiatives, and Associate Professor Enkhtur Ariunaa visited the Mongolian University of Science and Technology.
They met with Ganbat Batzorig, Director of the International Office and an alumnus of UOsaka, Tsamba Tsoggerel, Head of the Research and Technology Development Office, and Professor Danaa Ganbat, Head of the Open Education Center. During the meeting, they exchanged views on the university's profile, opportunities for collaborative research, and the promotion of student exchange between the two institutions.
They also gave a presentation to 20 students and six faculty and staff members on our study abroad programs, application procedures, and English-taught graduate degree programs. During the individual consultation session following the presentation, several early-career faculty members expressed interest in pursuing graduate studies at UOsaka and conducting research as international joint researchers.

On September 28, 2026, MA Ninshu, Director of the East Asia Center of the Institute for International Initiatives, and Associate Professor Enkhtur Ariunaa visited the National University of Mongolia. They first visited the university’s Science and Technology Park, where they met with Director Orolmaa Munkhbat, Office Head Zoljargal Munkhjargal, and Technical Manager Baatar Sarantuya to exchange views on promoting industry-academia collaboration. They also toured the laboratories and were briefed on research achievements in the field of biomaterials using analytical equipment provided through JICA support.
The delegation then visited the Division of Natural Sciences and met with Vice Dean Gombosuren Munkhbayar, Dashdondog Erdenebaatar, and Buyanmandakh Buyankhishig. In addition, they introduced our study abroad programs and research activities to approximately 40 students majoring in physics and mechanical engineering.

Top photo: Visit to the Science and Technology Park
Bottom photo: Visit to the Division of Natural Sciences

On September 27, 2026, we hosted an international exchange session at the Mongolia-Japan Center for Human Resources Development. A total of 45 students attended the event, and many questions were raised regarding study abroad opportunities and English-taught undergraduate degree programs. MA Ninshu, Director of the East Asia Center of the Institute for International Initiatives, and Associate Professor Enkhtur Ariunaa responded to questions from participants and introduced the attractions and academic strengths of UOsaka.

On September 20, 2026, an alumni gathering of UOsaka was held in San Francisco. YAMAMOTO Beverly Anne, Regional Director of the North American Center, the Institute for International Initiatives and UOsaka students currently participating in an exchange program at UC Berkley attended the event. Participants enjoyed lively conversations about recent developments at UOsaka and experiences studying abroad.

On September 16, 2026, ITOH Chihiro, Vice Director of the Institute for International Initiatives, MATSUNO Kenji, Director of European Center for Academic Initiatives, Ningxu MA, Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives, visited the Graduate School of Engineering Science on Toyonaka Campus.
First, Professor GOTO Susumu introduced research in the field of fluid mechanics, followed Professor TADAKUMA Kenjiro who presented research on robot mechanisms.
The delegation also visited the Center for Spintronics Research Network, where Professor HAMAYA Kohei and Associate Professor YAMADA Shinya, and Assistant Professor OBINATA Sora introduced the center’s research activities.
Professor ISHIGURO Hiroshi then provided an overview of his research and development on androids and avatar robots, as well as ongoing efforts and future prospects toward realizing a society in which humans and robots coexist.
The delegation also met with Vice Dean UMAKOSHI Hiroshi, who explained the Graduate School’s initiatives in international collaboration. The participants exchanged views on future prospects and the potential for further collaboration with Overseas Centers.
Through the visit, the participants deepened their understanding of the advanced research activities and research infrastructure of the Graduate School of Engineering Science. The Overseas Centers will continue to work closely with departments across UOsaka to further strengthen international collaboration.

From September 12 to 13, 2026, MA Ninshu, Director of the East Asia Center of the Institute for International Initiatives, visited Hubei University of Arts and Science.
On September 12, he met with Vice President WANG Yun, Director HU Ruofei, and Dean Liang of the Institute of Functional Materials to discuss opportunities for future academic exchange and collaboration.
On September 13, he visited the Institute of Functional Materials, where he met with Prof. Wangna Li, a former postdoctoral researcher at the Joining and Welding Research Institute of UOsaka. In addition, he gave a presentation to students on the distinctive characteristics of UOsaka and its study abroad opportunities.

From September 10 to 11, 2026, MA Ninshu, Director of the East Asia Center of the Institute for International Initiatives, visited Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
On September 10, Director MA attended the signing ceremony for an inter-faculty agreement between the School of Foreign Languages at Huazhong University of Science and Technology and our Graduate School of Humanities, together with Professor HATA Kaori of the Graduate School of Humanities. During the visit, they exchanged views on promoting academic collaboration under the newly signed agreement.
On September 11, Director MA visited the School of Automation, where he met with Professor Huang Jian, Ms. Peng, Director of International Exchange, and other faculty members. They discussed the achievements of past exchanges between the two universities and explored opportunities for future academic collaboration. Later that afternoon, he visited the School of Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering and met with Professor Wang Jiangchao, an alumnus of UOsaka’s Joining and Welding Research Institute. They exchanged views on educational and research collaboration between the two institutions.

Top left photo: School of Foreign Languages, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Top right photo: School of Automation
Bottom photo: School of Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering

On September 9, 2026, MA Ninshu, Director of the East Asia Center of the Institute for International Initiatives visited Sun Yat-sen University.
During the visit, he met with SU Chen, Director of International Exchange, as well as Professor WU Xing, Professor LI Caifu, Professor HU, alumni of UOsaka, and other faculty members. They exchanged views on academic collaboration and student exchange programs between the two universities, particularly in the fields of medicine and engineering.

On September 7, 2026, MA Ninshu, Director of the East Asia Center of the Institute for International Initiatives, and Professor MURATA Tadahiko of UOsaka’s Data-ability Frontier Organization (D3 Center) visited South China University of Technology.
At the Shien-Ming Wu School of Intelligent Engineering, they met with Professor CHEN Xiaoqi, Dean of the School, and Professor Patrick Chan, Deputy Dean, to discuss joint research publications and student exchange opportunities under the inter-faculty agreement between the School and UOsaka’s Graduate School of Engineering. They also gave a presentation on UOsaka and its study abroad programs to approximately 100 undergraduate and graduate students.
On September 8, they visited the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, where they met with Professor WANG Di, Dean of the School, and Professor WANG Zhenmin. Later, they visited the University’s International Office and met with Cathy Huang, Deputy Director for Asian Affairs, and YU Wanting, Section Manager. They exchanged views on future cooperation and received an introduction to the University’s summer programs.

Top photo: Shien-Ming Wu School of Intelligent Engineering
Bottom photo: School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering

On August 20, 2026, MATSUNO Kenji, Director of European Center for Academic Initiatives of the Institute for International Initiatives, visited University College London. During his visit, he held discussions with Professor TORII Ryo of the Department of Mechanical Engineering regarding future opportunities for academic exchange and collaborative research between the two institutions.

From August 17 to September 4, 2026, a short-term language training program was held at the University of Manchester, one of our inter-university partner institutions. Six students participated in the program. In addition to studying English, they engaged in preparatory learning about British culture and Manchester’s landmarks, followed by field-based activities conducted throughout the city.

On August 12, 2026, Director MA Ninshuu of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives participated in the 10th China-Japan-Korea Workshop on Structural Assessment and Health Monitoring, a jointly organized event hosted by UOsaka, Yonsei University, and Tongji University, held at Yonsei University. In addition to fostering academic exchange in the field of earthquake engineering, Director MA introduced UOsaka to students. He also visited the Office of International Affairs of Yonsei University to discuss and exchange information regarding student exchange programs. On August 13, he visited the laboratory of Dongjin KIM, an alumnus of UOsaka, at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), where he interacted with students and introduced UOsaka. On August 14, he visited Korea University and held discussions on academic exchange and mutual visits with Professor Seung Jun Shin, Director of International Mobility and Cooperation, and Professor Seungwoo Hong and Professor Gunwoo Noh of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Top and middle photo: Visit to Yonsei University
Bottom photo: Visit to Korea University

On August 9, 2026, Director MA Ninshuu of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives visited the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and discussed the track record of inbound and outbound exchange students with Ada CHAU, Senior Manager, Office of Global Learning Experience. The following day, he visited the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and held a meeting with Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research & Innovation) and Prof. Jianguo LIN, Chair Professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and exchanged views on collaboration between departments and faculties.

Top photo: Visit to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Bottom photo: Visit to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

On July 27, 2026, MATSUNO Kenji, Director of European Center for Academic Initiatives took part in Liberia’s 179th Independence Day Celebration, hosted by Embassy of Liberia in Japan. At the event, we exchanged views with ambassadors from various African countries on the potential for inter-university collaboration between UOsaka and institutions in Africa.

On July 23, 2026, Professor Dato’ Dr Toh (UCSI University Group President Advisor) among others, visited UOsaka and met FUJITA Kiyoshi (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives). Following an introduction to UCSI, discussions were held on the potential for research and educational exchange in the fields of medicine, economics and business administration, biotechnology, and data science.

On July 22, 2026, ITO Chihiro, Vice Director; MATSUNO Kenji, Director of the Europe Center; and MA Ninshu, Director of the East Asia Center, all from the Institute for International Initiatives, visited the Institute for Protein Research on the Suita Campus.
During their visit, they met with Professor KURISU Genji, Director of the Institute. The delegation received an overview of the Institute’s cutting-edge life science research and international collaborative research initiatives. They also exchanged views on the utilization of research networks in Europe and East Asia and on opportunities to strengthen collaboration with our overseas centers.
The visit also provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Institute’s role as the Asian hub of the Protein Data Bank (PDB), the world’s leading structural biology database, as well as its extensive collaborations with research institutions around the globe.
Through the visit, the participants were able to further appreciate the Institute’s advanced research infrastructure and its international research activities. The overseas centers will continue to strengthen cooperation with departments and institutes across UOsaka and contribute to the further advancement of the university’s global research and education activities.

On July 8, 2026, MATSUNO Kenji, Director of European Center for Academic Initiatives visited the University of Manchester. At the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Director MATSUNO held discussions with Professor Clara Cheung and other faculty and staff responsible for international partnerships, during which information was exchanged on the activities of the European Center for Academic Initiatives, the achievements of international exchange between the two universities, and industry-academia collaboration initiatives.
On the following day, Director MATSUNO visited the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and met with Professor Qing-Jun Meng among others. Discussions were held on potential research collaboration with UOsaka, opportunities to secure research funding, and the possibility of organizing joint research workshops.

Top photo: Visit to the Faculty of Science and Engineering
Bottom photo: Visit to the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

From July 7 to July 9, 2026, MATSUNO Kenji, Director of European Center for Academic Initiatives took part in the Greater Manchester Business Tour Organized by Osaka City. During the tour, Director MATSUNO visited the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and introduced our industry-academia collaboration initiatives and research seeds at a networking event. In addition, representatives from local companies and universities in Greater Manchester expressed interest in industry-academia collaboration with UOsaka, providing a valuable opportunity for information exchange.

On July 3, 2026, MATSUNO Kenji, Director of European Center for Academic Initiatives visited the University of Strasbourg and met Vice-President Remi Barillon among others. Director MATSUNO introduced and discussed the activities of the European Center for Academic Initiatives, the achievements of student exchange between the two universities, and research collaboration conducted through the Interactive Materials Science Cadet Program. The discussion also included an exchange of information on the University of Strasbourg’s double degree programs and English-medium degree programs.

On July 3, 2026, MATSUNO Kenji, Director of European Center for Academic Initiatives visited the JSPS Strasbourg Office and met TAKAGI Toshiyuki, Director of the JSPS Strasbourg Office and NAKATANI Yoichi, Professeur Conventionné and Chairman of the Japan Committee, University of Strasbourg among others. They discussed research collaboration fostered through the activities of the European Center for Academic Initiatives, as well as the potential for strengthening ties with Africa.

On June 27, 2026, the University of Osaka participated in an international exchange session held by the Embassy of Japan in China.
Approximately 58 students, primarily those interested in studying abroad or pursuing further education in the fields of science and humanities, visited UOsaka’s booth. Local staff from the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives responded to visitors’ questions and introduced the attractions and academic strengths of our university.

On June 24, 2026, ITO Chihiro, Vice Director of the Institute for International Initiatives and Ningxu Ma, Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives visited SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research) on UOsaka’s Suita Campus. During the visit, NAGAI Takeharu, Director of SANKEN, first provided an overview of the institute, followed by a tour of its research facilities.
The tour began with an introduction by Associate Professor OHSHIRO Takahito to the research activities of the Department of Bio-Nanotechnology (Taniguchi Lab.). Subsequently, Professor UEMURA Takafumi explained the research conducted in the Department of Advanced Thin-Film Functional Properties (Uemura Lab.) as well as its research environment. In addition, Director NAGAI introduced the Department of Biomolecular Science and Engineering (Nagai Lab.).
Through these visits, the participants gained a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge research activities and research infrastructure at SANKEN and exchanged views on potential future collaborations.
The Overseas Centers will continue to work closely with various departments across UOsaka to further strengthen international collaboration.

On June 18, 2026, the University of Osaka participated in an online international exchange session held at Shanghai MINGFU Japanese Highschool. During the session, we introduced an overview of our university and explained the differences between undergraduate schools and graduate schools. We also invited two alumni, YAMADA Masayoshi (Director of the Osaka Prefectural Government Shanghai Office and President of the Shanghai Alumni Association) and Liu Lei, who spoke about career paths and employment opportunities after graduation. In addition, Feng Jie, a current graduate student at our university, gave a presentation on the university’s learning environment. A total of 6,195 participants—including high school students, university students, graduate students, and parents—attended the session.

On June 5, 2026, MA Ninshu, Director of the East Asia Center of the Institute for International Initiatives, visited the Research Center for Green and Intelligent River-Sea Direct Ships and Cruise Yachts at Wuhan University of Technology. During the visit, he gave an overview of UOsaka and introduced the English-taught degree program offered by the Division of Global Architecture, Graduate School of Engineering.
Director MA also met with Professor ZHOU Hong Chang of the Research Center for Green and Intelligent River-Sea Direct Ships and Cruise Yachts. They exchanged views on academic exchanges between departments and student exchange programs.
In addition, he met with the Director of International Affairs to discuss possibilities for expanding international exchange and cooperation between Wuhan University of Technology and UOsaka in the future.

On June 4, 2026, Professor KAWASAKI Ryo of the Graduate School of Medicine visited the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives and met with the local staff. During the meeting, they exchanged information on the Graduate School of Medicine's student exchange programs and the current status of collaboration with universities in China. They also discussed potential opportunities for future cooperation.

On May 28, 2026, MATSUNO Kenji, Director of European Center for Academic Initiatives, FUJITA Kiyoshi, Regional Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives, Ningxu Ma, Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives, SUMIMURA Yoshinori, Director of the Overseas Campus Division at the Institute for International Initiatives visited the Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER) on UOsaka’s Suita Campus. On the day of the visit, following an overview explanation and Q&A session by KANEDA Yasufumi, Specially Appointed Professor and Executive Advisor to CiDER, the participants toured the co-creation spaces and open laboratories under his guidance, and received an explanation of CiDER’s shared laboratory facilities. In addition, Director MATSUNO shared perspectives on the future development of UOsaka’s overseas offices and campuses. UOsaka will continue to work in collaboration with its departments to further strengthen international partnerships.

On Monday, May 25, 2026, Prof. Gi W. Yun (Dean, Professor, and Fred W. Smith Chair) from the University of Nevada, Reno visited the University of Osaka. He met with Beverly Anne YAMAMOTO (Regional Director of the North American Center, the Institute for International Initiatives) and exchanged views on the possibility of UOsaka collaborating in a student program that the University of Nevada, Reno plans to host next year.

On May 19, 2026, the University of Osaka Alumni Gathering was held in Shanghai. Following opening remarks by Ningxu Ma, Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives, participants introduced themselves and shared updates on their recent activities. In addition to UOsaka alumni, Japanese exchange students studying at universities in Shanghai also participated, bringing the total number to 19. Alumni also advised on career development to the students, making the event an opportunity for cross-generational exchange of ideas.

On May 18, 2026, Ningxu Ma, Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives at the Institute for International Initiatives visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University. During the meeting with the university’s International Division, views were exchanged on the current state of student exchanges with Japan and future prospects. During visits to the Schools of Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Director Ma talked about the overview of the University of Osaka to faculty members and graduate students who are UOsaka’s alumni, and views were exchanged on promoting international collaborative research and co-authored publications. Furthermore, on May 19, Director Ma visited Tongji University, and extensive discussions were held with the International Division and relevant departments on student exchanges and academic collaboration.


Top left photo: Visit to the College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University
Top center photo: Visit to the International Division, Tongji University
Top right photo: Visit to the School of Economics and Management, Tongji University
Bottom left photo: Visit to the Department of Disaster Mitigation for Structures, Tongji University
Bottom right photo: Visit to the Shanghai International College of Intellectual Property, Tongji University

On May 18, 2026, approximately 20 students from Suankularb Wittayalai School in Thailand visited the University of Osaka. At the university information session held at the Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, FUJITA Kiyoshi (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives) introduced the university’s educational and research activities, student exchange programs for international students, and industry-university collaboration initiatives. The students actively asked questions about campus life. Following the session, they visited SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), the International College, and the Graduate School of Engineering Science, touring laboratories and attending lectures.

On May 12, 2026, YABUTA Kazumi (Deputy Director of JSPS Bangkok Research Liaison Center) and other representatives visited the ASEAN Center Office and the ASEAN Campus Joint Office. They held discussions with FUJITA Kiyoshi (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives), KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor), and staff from the Department of International Affairs. (Director FUJITA and the Department of International Affairs participated online, from Japan). Presentations were given on JSPS international exchange programs and the university’s ASEAN Campus initiative, followed by an exchange of views on educational and research collaboration between the University of Osaka and universities in Thailand.

On May 7, 2026, Professor Gilles FORLOT (Vice-President for European and International Affairs) of the National Institute of Oriental Languages (INALCO) visited the University of Osaka. Discussions were held with MATSUNO Kenji (Regional Director, European Center for Academic Initiatives) as well as with faculty members from the Graduate School of Humanities and the Graduate School of Human Sciences, where they exchanged opinions and information regarding educational and research exchanges between INALCO and the University of Osaka.

On April 23 and 24, 2026, a delegation of 10 members from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz), including Prof. Guido Bordigno (Faculty Director for Global Engagement, Professor, Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, Division of Sciences), visited the University of Osaka. On the 23rd, a meeting was held with ITO Chihiro (Vice Director of the Institute for International Initiatives), MATSUNO Kenji (Regional Director, European Center for Academic Initiatives), Ma Ninshuu (Regional Director, East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives), OOBAYASHI Saori (Associate Professor), and Zhang Ya (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor). On the 24th, the morning began with a presentation by Associate Professor OKAMOTO Noriko (Office of Management and Planning) regarding UOsaka’s grants. In the afternoon, each researcher visited graduate schools and other departments related to their respective fields of study to have meetings. On both days, there was a lively exchange of views regarding future collaboration and exchange.

On April 23, 2026, Executive Vice President HAYASHI Mikako, FUJITA Kiyoshi (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives), and KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor) from the University of Osaka participated in the STS Forum Japan-Thailand Symposium 2026 held in Bangkok, Thailand.
The symposium, themed “The Great Convergence: AI-Driven Health, Environment, and Bio-Economy,” featured a keynote speech by Executive Vice President Hayashi titled “Live Locally, Grow Globally—Creating a New Era with Convergence Knowledge,” in which she introduced our university’s cutting-edge research. The event also included presentations and lectures by participating institutions from Thailand and Japan. Furthermore, during a meeting with Thai government agencies, opinions were exchanged regarding the promotion of collaboration and exchange between our university and Thai academic institutions.

On April 22, 2026, Director MATSUNO Kenji at European Center for Academic Initiatives of Institute for International Initiatives attended the “Italian Research Day in the World 2026” event held at the Italian Embassy in Japan. Participants exchanged views with Italy‑related researchers from Japan and abroad and gathered information on joint research and outcomes in the field of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Information Sciences.

On April 17, 2026, a delegation of six members from Kristiania University of Applied Sciences in Norway and related Norwegian institutions, including Mr. Carl Joakim Gagnon (Senior Adviser at the Department of Research Administration), visited the University of Osaka. During the discussion with Director MATSUNO Kenji at European Center for Academic Initiatives of Institute for International Initiatives, the delegation and the University of Osaka talked about profiles of both universities and exchanged opinions on industry–research collaboration in Japan and Norway. An overview of the university’s exchange programs and campus life was also presented.

On April 16, 2026, MATSUNO Kenji, Director of European Center for Academic Initiatives, and Ningxu Ma, Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives, at the Institute for International Initiatives, visited the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB) on UOsaka’s Toyonaka Campus. The purpose of this visit was to receive an overview of QIQB’s current research and educational activities, including issues it faces, and to exchange views on future international development. On the day of the visit, following an explanation of QIQB’s history, research achievements, and initiatives related to university-based startups, the participants toured experimental facilities such as ion traps, quantum networks, and superconducting quantum computers, and engaged in active discussions on the research. The directors shared updates on the overseas activities, as well as their perspectives on promoting international joint research and student exchange. UOsaka’s overseas offices will continue to collaborate with the departments of the university to strengthen international partnerships.

◎ This visit is also featured on the website of QIQB.

On April 14, 2026, YAMAGUCHI Hideyuki, Director of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Beijing Office, and Kanako Imajo, Deputy Director, visited our East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives and met with the local staff. During the visit, the JSPS representatives introduced several international exchange programs, including Kiheikai (Liaison Conference for Japan–China Higher Education Exchange). In turn, the University of Osaka presented an overview of the activities and initiatives carried out by our East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives.