#Japan #Tokyo #Okayama University #SDGs Innovation #PM Award 2025

Celebrating Innovation in Project Management

On October 25, 2025, Okayama University achieved a notable recognition by winning the SDGs Innovation Award at the PM Award 2025 ceremony hosted in Tokyo. This event, organized by the PMI Japan Chapter, celebrated projects that have excelled in various fields of project management. The specially awarded initiative was the Project Planning & Management (PP&M) Forum, recognized for its collaborative efforts in bridging the pharmaceutical industry.

About the Award

The PM Award 2025 aims to highlight outstanding achievements in project management, and this year marks its fifth iteration. Okayama University, under the leadership of President Yoshitomo Nasu, has been a consistent supporter since the award's inception in 2021, presenting its own award for projects that promote the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the ceremony, attended by key figures including President Nasu and prominent judges from the Cabinet Office, the spotlight was on the PP&M Forum. Their mission centers on a commitment to deliver innovative pharmaceuticals to patients as swiftly as possible, demonstrating a shared learning environment across the pharmaceutical sector.

The PP&M Forum's Impact

The PP&M Forum operates with a vision of cultivating project managers capable of fostering “innovation” within the pharmaceutical landscape. Each member engages in projects that encourage shared understanding and practices among various pharmaceutical companies. This collaborative spirit was highlighted by President Nasu when he presented the award plaque to Mr. Takehiro Shinozaki, a representative of the Forum.

Nasu commented, “The PP&M Forum exemplifies the essence of project management. Their work resonates with our principles of collaboration seen in the J-PEAKS initiative. We aspire to implement project management practices that foster a culture of co-creation rather than competition.”

The event also celebrated the best project award going to Tokyo University of Science for establishing the Tokyo University of Science through the integration of Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Tokyo Institute of Technology. Nasu expressed delight in acknowledging achievements by other national universities, reinforcing the collaborative nature of their efforts.

Look Ahead

Going forward, Okayama University, as an academic sponsor of PMI Japan, aims to leverage project management techniques to enhance research efficiencies and foster innovation. Collaborations under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's initiatives further emphasize strengthening project management methods within national universities.

Okayama University is actively engaging in educational advancements through various departments and initiatives. The university's recent efforts include collaborations with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science on developing project management skills among research personnel.

In summary, the recognition of Okayama University's PP&M Forum underscores the importance of innovative project management in advancing healthcare solutions. The university remains dedicated to propelling its mission, collaborating on research, and nurturing innovation-driven educational environments as part of its pledge toward sustainable development goals.