"Osaka University LINKS – Intellectual Endeavors to Shape a Future" held

" Osaka University LINKS – Intellectual Endeavors to Shape a Future," an event to deepen ties with alumni who are active in society and stakeholders for Osaka University, was held at Gakushikaikan in Tokyo on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

This new event, started this year in order to introduce OU's appealing efforts that will lead to the future to its alumni and stakeholders and develop new connections between them, attracted some 270 individuals to the report session and social gathering.

At the report session that began with opening remarks by President NISHIO Shojiro and a speech by MEXT Director TOYOOKA Hiroki, the following representatives of departments introduced their promising, socially impactful endeavors.

• Osaka University Dental Hospital – Professor HAYASHI Mikako
• Graduate School of Medicine – Dean KUMANOGOH Atsushi
• Research Institute for Microbial Diseases – Director TAKAKURA Nobuyuki
• Osaka University Hospital – Professor MYOUI Akira
• Graduate School of Engineering – Dean OMASA Takeshi
• Cybermedia Center – Professor YARIMIZU Toru
• United Graduate School of Child Development – Professor SHIMONO Kuriko
• Graduate School of Human Sciences – Professor ATSUMI Tomohide

At the Q&A session, participants expressed their expectations of the endeavors introduced, asking questions enthusiastically.

President Nishio

MEXT Director Toyooka

Audience listening to lectures by faculty members

Dean Omasa showing an object made by a 3D printer

After the report session, the social gathering began with a speech by Executive Vice President KANEDA Yasufumi, which was followed by a passionate message of encouragement and a toast from Ms. INOUE Yukari, Managing Director of Kellogg’s Japan and Chair of OU’s School of Economics Alumni Association. Many participants engaged in friendly conversation, deepening existing connections and creating new ones.

During the poster session at the venue, 8 departments introduced their efforts based on their strengths and unique characteristics.

A participant said that conversations with faculty members involved in these efforts were really meaningful.
Videos featuring priority issues that should be addressed by the university were also played and the first Osaka University LINKS was concluded successfully.

Executive Vice President Kaneda at the social gathering

A toast by Ms. Inoue

Poster Session

Many individuals attended the social gathering

Attendees enjoying conversation