#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #Ehime University #Research Management

Meeting Focused on Research Management Talent

On March 27, 2026, the National University Corporation Okayama University, led by President Yasuto Nasu, held an essential meeting with Ehime University at its Jōhoku Campus in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. The meeting, in collaboration with Osaka University, aimed to discuss the development and management of research management professionals, addressing the growing demand for such expertise in academia across Japan.

The initiative is part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's program that focuses on the establishment of systems for developing research management talent. The goal is to not only improve the quantity of these professionals but also enhance their quality by promoting appropriate treatment and career paths. Both Okayama University and Osaka University serve as training providers, while Ehime University acts as the dispatching institution.

During the meeting, significant figures from Ehime University, including Deputy Section Chief Shinichiro Yoshida from the Research and Industry-Academia Collaboration Support Department and Masato Horigane, the Human Resources Department Chief, attended. From Okayama University, Seiji Yamamoto, the Director of the Research Cooperation Division, as well as Kazuko Uka, a project leader from the Management Planning Division, participated.

The meeting began with an address by Yamamoto, who explained the purpose of the gathering and outlined Okayama University's training offerings. Afterward, representatives from Osaka University presented details regarding their training content.

Following the presentations, a lively discussion ensued. Participants engaged in a Q&A session to clarify detailed aspects of the training programs, including collaborative efforts between faculties and the university's dual-track human resource policy.

Reflecting on the meeting, Nobuhito Sato, the Vice President responsible for research and industry-academia collaboration at Okayama University, expressed sincere gratitude to all participants for their involvement despite the busy end-of-year schedules. He emphasized the long-standing collaboration between Okayama University and Ehime University as regional national universities, aiming to strengthen their partnership in invigorating academia in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, particularly in the context of nurturing research management talent.

Okayama University is committed to continuing the enhancement of collaboration with various stakeholders and strives for the advancement of research management talent. The university recognizes the importance of flexibility in organizational and institutional reforms to adapt to the evolving educational landscape.

Looking ahead, both Okayama University and Ehime University are determined to foster a collaborative atmosphere that encourages the co-creation of futures for both their communities and the planet. They encourage further innovations in academia that lead to impactful societal changes.

Photos and Visuals

A collection of photographs from the meeting illustrates the engagement and collaboration fostered among the participants. Additionally, an overview diagram of the Research Management Talent Development System was presented during the meeting to effectively communicate the goals and operational plans.

In summary, the meeting marked a significant step towards enhancing regional academic collaboration and nurturing the next generation of research management professionals, thereby contributing to a brighter future for education and research in Japan.