Strengthening Collaborative Efforts Among Research Universities Through J-PEAKS Initiative

On August 29, 2025, Okayama University, located in Okayama City, participated in an important exchange meeting held at Niigata University’s Sake Research Center. This meeting aimed to strengthen collaborations among universities selected for the Regional Core and Unique Research University Enhancement Project (J-PEAKS).

Representatives from four prominent universities attended this event: Okayama University, Niigata University, Hokkaido University, and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. Attendees included Yuka Mimura, a board member in charge of planning and evaluation from Okayama University, as well as other key faculty and administrative staff who oversee research, industry-university collaboration, and innovation management.

The meeting gathered decision-makers like Kazushige Kawabata from Niigata University and other distinguished guests from Hokkaido University and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. They engaged in lively discussions regarding the future of the J-PEAKS initiative, focusing on enhancing research and innovation mechanisms, human resource strategies, and promoting research through regional collaboration.

During this discussion, participants shared challenges faced by their respective institutions and exchanged examples of best practices under the J-PEAKS program. Notably, Okayama University presented its strategies for reforming university management using J-PEAKS as a catalyst, elaborating on how they implement URA (University Research Administrator) systems and human resource strategies. This sparked anticipation for greater collaborative possibilities beyond individual universities.

Following the meeting, participants toured the Niigata University Sake Research Center to further engage in discussions and share insights in this enriching environment.

Sato Yoshihito, the J-PEAKS liaison at Okayama University, expressed his appreciation for the event. He noted, “Strengthening the information exchange between schools selected for the current fiscal year and those selected last year is crucial, and through in-depth discussions, we can expand our collaborative efforts. Our university, particularly as a research-intensive institution, must evolve—not just individually, but as a collective of research universities.” His comments reflected a commitment to accelerating progress with a sense of urgency in various initiatives.

The meeting successfully fostered deeper trust among the participating universities and took a significant step toward enhancing collaboration based on the J-PEAKS initiative. Moving forward, each university aims to continue strengthening collaborations, formulating a cohesive research university network, and driving societal transformations. All eyes remain on Okayama University’s unique contributions and the ongoing efforts of the J-PEAKS-affiliated institutions.

During this exchange, Yuka Mimura remarked on the importance of joint efforts among the J-PEAKS candidate universities, stating, “Although Okayama University is implementing various reforms related to J-PEAKS, it is vital that our collaborative projects do not remain solely at the university level but extend to collective aspirations.” The opportunity to engage with representatives from other universities was received positively, emphasizing the enriching exchanges and mutual learning that transpired from the discussions.

In summary, the meeting at Niigata University represents a critical point in re-establishing connections and forming strategic alliances among leading research institutions in Japan under the J-PEAKS initiative. Together, they aspire to bolster their combined role in innovation, fostering research excellence to meet societal needs. The commitment of Okayama University and its partner institutions remains steadfast as they embark on this journey of collaborative improvements in academic research and societal contribution.