#Japan #resilience training #Okayama #Okayama University #Osaka University

Enhancing Resilience: Okayama University's Step Towards Team Excellence

On November 5 and 6, 2025, Ayari Nakamura, a technology professional staff member at Okayama University's General Technical Department, took part in a resilience and followership training program hosted by Osaka University's Core Facility Initiative. This training aims to empower support personnel in research and education to develop resilience—essential in handling pressure and the responsibilities associated with their roles.

Through a combination of theoretical lessons and group work, participants are encouraged to cultivate their ability to adapt to challenges and recover from difficulties. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration between Okayama University and Osaka University that has been ongoing since the 2021 academic year, facilitating shared experiences and learning opportunities.

A crucial part of the training is its focus on 'followership', encouraging team members and supervisors alike to foster a proactive approach to enhancing overall team performance. The curriculum was developed collaboratively by the Osaka University female technical staff network and an external training consultant, with support from the Core Facility Initiative.

Nakamura expressed her gratitude for the experiences provided, noting, "Both resilience and followership are vital skills in the workplace. The passion for human resource development conveyed by the Osaka University Core Facility Initiative was inspiring, and I found the training content, aligned with real-world support for research and education, extremely beneficial for my future responsibilities. I intend to share my learnings within our institution and apply them as much as possible in my work."

The Vice President and Director of the General Technical Department, Nobuhito Saito, also acknowledged the importance of the program. He stated, "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the team at Osaka University for their invaluable training. The content of this training is essential for advancing the skills of technical staff and enhancing our organizational capabilities. We look forward to effectively spreading Nakamura's insights across our department."

Continuing her development, Nakamura holds several certifications, including those from the Japan Society for Engineering Education and the Science Communication Society of Japan. Additionally, she is pursuing an MBA through the Okayama University Graduate School’s financial support, aiming to acquire valuable management knowledge to foster ongoing contributions to Okayama University.

As Okayama University aims to be a core research institution that reflects its unique qualities and its commitment to sustainable community development, staff members like Nakamura play a crucial role in this journey. The training experience is not just personal growth for employees like Nakamura; it reflects a collective ambition towards excellence within the university’s technical staff.


Overall, this collaboration embodies the spirit of mutual growth between institutions and elevates the capabilities of participants, paving the way for sustained regional and global contributions from Okayama University.

Stay tuned for more insights into the ongoing evolution of Okayama University and its dedication to cultivating a robust and skilled workforce, essential for spearheading research and education initiatives in the 21st century.