#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #J-PEAKS #Engineering Training

Second Comprehensive Technology Department Training Conference at Okayama University

On September 9, 2025, Okayama University organized its second Comprehensive Technology Department Training Conference, themed "Action on Words", at the Shikada Campus. This event, conducted in a hybrid format combining in-person and online sessions, brought together 76 participants, including faculty from the Comprehensive Technology Department and industry collaboration coordinators.

The Comprehensive Technology Department, established to centralize the educational and research technical staff dispersed across various departments, comprises over 80 technicians who began operations in the 2023 fiscal year. The aim of this conference was to share the organization's vision, enhance communication, and improve technical capabilities.

The theme, "Action on Words," reflects the commitment of technical staff as they strive to achieve set goals and uphold promises, demonstrating accountability and responsibility in their roles as frontline researchers in a leading university.

As part of this unique training, participants had the opportunity to visit the university's joint experimental laboratory within the Faculty of Medicine, where they could observe advanced research equipment rarely accessible to other departments. Many expressed a desire for further visits in the future.

A keynote address was delivered by Norihito Sato, Head of the Comprehensive Technology Department, who discussed the importance of elevating the roles of technology staff in the context of the J-PEAKS initiative. This initiative is instrumental in strengthening regional universities and highlights the skills and expectations associated with their roles.

Furthermore, the conference featured five presentations that brought the theme of "Action on Words" to life through real-world applications, sharing practical experiences and challenges. These presentations fostered understanding and encouragement among participants, leading to a discussion about the future endeavours of the technology staff.

Ending the day’s proceedings, a ceremony recognized the newly designed logo for the Comprehensive Technology Department, reinforcing a sense of unity among its members. Sato expressed gratitude to the committee led by Kazuyuki Maruyama for their efforts in orchestrating the training event. He emphasized the department's third-year milestone and the transformative significance of the J-PEAKS initiative, stating, "As we progress, both the university and its technical staff must adapt and evolve to meet the changing landscape; a constant pursuit of improvement is essential."

The conference served to reaffirm the importance of specialized technical staff collaboration while boosting motivation for upcoming activities. Ongoing support for the growth and interaction of technicians will be a key focal point moving forward. Stay tuned for more insights into the ongoing initiatives at Okayama University and the Comprehensive Technology Department.

Future Directions

The past conference highlighted the necessity for continual development and connection among technical staff. Participants left inspired to embrace their roles as key players in research, emphasizing the critical partnership between education and innovation for shaping future projects. Okayama University reiterates its commitment to transcending boundaries by nurturing its team of technician professionals and promoting collaborative efforts that contribute to regional and global advancements.

For reference, visit the Okayama University Comprehensive Technology Department. More insights can be found on the Okayama University Core Facility Portal.