Activities

2026.1.29

Director Toshio Suga presented about WPI-AIMEC’s activities at a forum on the university’s future as a University for International Research Excellence (UREX)

On January 9, the UREX-Tohoku Forum 2026 was held at Kawauchi Hagi Hall, Tohoku University Centennial Hall, and included a presentation by WPI-AIMEC Director Toshio Suga. Around one thousand university faculty and staff participated in the event.

At the forum, Tohoku University shared its current progress since being accredited as a University for International Research Excellence over a year ago, as well as the university’s vision for the future.

Following a welcome address from President Teiji Tominaga, six directors at the forefront of transformation, including Director Suga, presented their department’s mission and strategy to strengthen research capabilities. The second half of the forum involved a lively discussion with researchers and entrepreneurs, who spoke about the challenges they are embracing to create the future of the university.

In his presentation, Director Suga discussed WPI-AIMEC’s initiatives, such as sharing research and education facilities with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), and building an international brain circulation platform through United Nations frameworks and collaboration with overseas research institutions.

Going forward, WPI-AIMEC will continue engaging in the close and active cooperation with the University for International Research Excellence initiative and aims to develop a world-class international research institute for ocean science.