#Japan #Tokyo #Kyoto University #Tokyo Science University #International Excellence

Overview of the 5th Meeting of the International Excellence Research Universities Advisory Board

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) recently held the fifth meeting of the International Excellence Research Universities Advisory Board. The sessions took place online on November 11 and November 25, 2024, and concluded on December 10, 2024, with significant discussions around the accreditation of leading research institutions in Japan.

Meeting Details

The two-and-a-half-hour sessions were structured to allow for comprehensive assessments of candidate universities. Attendees included committee members, MEXT officials, and observers from the Cabinet Office, each contributing vital insights into the deliberative processes.

Key Participants:

• - Chair: Mr. Ueyama (Chairperson)
• - Members: Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Kajiwara, Mr. Kanemaru (acting chair), and several others
• - MEXT Officials: Senior officials led by Mr. Kakita, Deputy Director-General for higher education affairs, and others
• - Cabinet Office Observers: Key officials including Mr. Hamano, responsible for steering science and technology policies

Agenda Highlights

The advisory council's main focus was the overall review of the accreditation process for International Excellence Research Universities. Key topics included:

1. Evaluation of Tokyo Science University: Scheduled to launch its Research Strengthening Plan (RSP) in April 2024, this university will undergo stringent monitoring during the program’s initial year and the third year, with evaluations dictating future support levels.
2. Kyoto University’s candidacy: It was agreed that Kyoto University should refine its RSP proposal over the next year before initiating its accreditation process.
3. Tokyo University discussions: The board determined that further evaluation is needed before deciding on Tokyo University’s candidacy status, calling for a continued review for up to one year to ensure all necessary confirmations are completed.

Current Developments

As discussions concluded, it became clear that the Tokyo Science University is gearing up to submit its preparation materials for accreditation by April 2024. Concurrently, Kyoto University is refining its proposals to align with the board's suggestions. Meanwhile, the ongoing evaluation of Tokyo University suggests that responsiveness to board feedback will be crucial in moving forward.

Future Prospects

This meeting sets a framework for enhancing Japan's research university landscape by developing structured support and evaluation mechanisms. Key steps involve establishing rigorous criteria for the accreditation process and fostering a competitive academic environment among top institutions.

MEXT remains committed to these initiatives as part of its broader goal to elevate Japan’s standing in global educational rankings while ensuring quality research outputs from accredited institutions.

For further inquiries, the University Research Infrastructure Division can be reached at:

• - Phone: 03-5253-4111 (Extension: 3831)