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Okayama University Hosts TC College Thesis Presentation

On December 9, 2025, Okayama University, known for its advanced educational initiatives, hosted the TC College Thesis Presentation Day at its Shikata Campus. This event marked a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to fostering highly skilled technical staff in the fields of medicine and engineering. It was organized by the university's Comprehensive Technical Department, a key component that supports the institute's research and educational goals.

During this presentation day, two notable talks were delivered. Masahiro Narasaki, the head of the Medical Technical Division, presented on the establishment of the TC College Medical Engineering Course, and Moemi Tsukano, a technical chief, discussed the support services for electron microscopy sample preparation and observation. Their presentations aimed to shed light on the advanced skills and educational initiatives designed to develop specialized personnel in technical fields.

The conference was open to participants from the Tokyo University of Science's TC College, alongside staff from Okayama University. The event saw 11 attendees present in person and an additional 44 joining remotely, totaling 55 participants. The event was facilitated by Yoshirou Matsumi, head of the TC College administrative section at the Tokyo University of Science, ensuring a smooth flow of presentations and discussions.

The TC College is a unique initiative led by the Tokyo University of Science aimed at nurturing highly specialized talents. Through its rigorous curriculum, it certifies university technical staff and industry professionals as Technical Conductors (TC). Okayama University joined this initiative as a satellite institution, starting its Medical Engineering Course in the academic year 2023. To earn the TC title, students must first obtain the Technical Master (TM) title by completing the necessary credits and then maintain their progress by preparing and presenting their TC thesis, followed by a rigorous assessment.

The presentations made by Narasaki and Tsukano were historic for Okayama University, as they represented the first open presentation of TC theses at the institution and within the framework of the medical engineering course. In their talks, the presenters also reflected on the challenges and motivations behind the establishment of the course, sharing insights into the future directions and developments expected in the field.

Following the presentations, active discussions ensued, with examiners providing diverse questions and comments, allowing for a rich exchange of ideas. Narasaki expressed a sense of accomplishment, stating, "This process has helped me reorganize my work, leading to new insights and discoveries. The TC College experience has equipped me with a wide range of knowledge, which I aspire to utilize in various fields moving forward." Tsukano echoed these sentiments, adding, "I am thrilled with the participation of many attendees, making this event a complete success. The process of writing the thesis prompted me to revisit my experimental notes, highlighting the importance of recording insights and innovations in our daily work."

This presentation day not only showcased the technical skills and research capabilities of TC candidates but also underscored how participation in the TC College enhances the quality of educational and research support within the university. Sato Norihito, Vice President and Senior URA, expressed his admiration for Narasaki and Tsukano, stating, "Those who achieve their goals outshine those who merely talk about results. We aim to cultivate engineers as knowledge workers who can create new value from knowledge. We will fully support their endeavors and career paths as they advance as knowledge workers."

Okayama University’s Comprehensive Technical Department is committed to reinforcing collaboration among all technical staff and providing diverse training programs for skill enhancement, strengthening its role as a pivotal research university at the regional and global levels. The university is part of the J-PEAKS initiative, fostering collaboration for a sustainable future alongside advancing scientific innovations.

As Okayama University continues to adapt and evolve, the dedicated efforts of its technical staff play a crucial role in contributing to societal change and research excellence. The community looks forward to their ongoing journey and contributions in the realm of research and education.

For more information about the TC College at the Tokyo University of Science and Okayama University, visit their respective websites.