Disclaimer: machine translated by DeepL which may contain errors.

Advisory Council of Graduate School of Science and Faculty of Science for 2024

Kazuo Enomoto (Vice Dean for 2024/Professor, Department of Biological Sciences)

The 24th Advisory Council of Graduate School of Science was held on Friday, February 21, 2025. The meeting began at 11:00 a.m. and continued until 5:30 p.m., with a laboratory tour in between, for a lively face-to-face exchange of opinions.

At the suggestion of Dean Shinichi Okoshi, the format of this year's Advisory Council was changed from that of the previous year (FY2023), so that materials were sent to all committee members in advance and as much time as possible was spent on understanding and discussing issues, with as little time as possible spent on explaining materials on the day of the meeting.

First, the Dean briefly introduced objective data on the research strength of Graduate School of Science, and the discussion was based on this data. The committee members suggested that since the research strength of the University of Tokyo and the Graduate School of Science is not absolutely declining, there is no need to be too concerned about short-term figures, and that the research and dissemination capabilities should be strengthened from a long-term vision, such as strengthening the international visibility of the faculty and research in the Graduate School of Science. He also suggested that flexibility in the salary structure would enable us to recruit faculty members who can lead science internationally, both domestically and internationally. There was also a lively discussion on the effective use of the sabbatical system from the viewpoint of securing research time for faculty members.

Next, international exchange programs such as Study and Visit Abroad Program (SVAP) for undergraduate students of Science and UTRIP (The University of Tokyo Research Internship Program) were discussed. The committee members explained about international exchange programs for students such as SVAP (Study and Visit Abroad Program) and UTRIP (The University of Tokyo Research Internship Program). The committee members also suggested that the psychological barrier for students to go abroad from Japan is getting higher due to the recent economic situation, and therefore, we should support students by making effective use of dispatch programs such as the International Leadership Program and the ASPIRE program.

Next, Dr. Yasushi Matsuo, Assistant Dean and Chair of Academic Affairs Committee, talked about undergraduate and graduate education; Dr. Kaoru Sato, Vice Dean, talked about the Gender Equality Office; Dr. Satoshi Ide, Assistant Dean, talked about the Student Support Office and Career Support Office; Dr. Shinji Tsuneyuki, Vice Dean, talked about the activities of the Office for Research Strategy and Development; and Dr. Kazuo Enomoto, Vice Dean, talked about the Public Relations Committee and the Public Affairs Office. Vice Dean Kaoru Sato again reported on the Environmental Safety Management Office.

Then, regarding internationalization efforts, he explained about the Double Degree Program with overseas universities, the Global Basic Science Education Program (GSC), the Global Science International Doctoral Program for World-leading and Smart Innovation (WISE) Program, the Global Science Innovative Graduate Study Program, the Global Standard Science and Faculty of Science International Courses, and the Life Innovation Building Project. The committee members explained about the Global Basic Science Education Program (GSC), Global Science International Graduate Course of Excellence (GSGC), International Course of Global Standard Science and Science, and Life Innovation Building Plan. In order to increase the number of undergraduate and graduate students from overseas, the committee members suggested that in addition to efforts such as making all lectures in English, consideration be given to tuition assistance from Faculty and Master's degree programs. He also suggested the need for a follow-up survey of graduates in order to consider future measures.

Then, Vice Dean Kaoru Sato explained the current status of the School of Science with regard to diversity initiatives, and the committee discussed possible measures to ensure diversity at the university and in the School of Science in the future. The committee members offered ideas for long-term initiatives.

Lastly, regarding collaboration among National Institutes, companies, and local universities, the committee members explained about the collaboration between the Department of Science and RIKEN, as well as the efforts of Corporate Sponsored Research Programs and Social Cooperation Programs. The committee members gave ideas for joint use of the facilities of the National Institute, cooperation with companies through cross-appointments, etc., and cooperation with local universities through active use of online/on-demand services, etc.

As mentioned above, we are grateful for the many constructive comments and ideas we received from the Advisory Council members, and we are keenly aware that the Advisory Council is a strong ally with whom we can work together for the future management of the Graduate School of Science and the School of Science. Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Advisory Council members who took time out of their precious time to attend the meeting.

Appendix: List of Advisory Council Members (titles omitted)
Yasuhiro Ie Chancellor, Chubu University Educational Foundation
Sachiko Okumura Professor, Faculty of Science, Japan Women’s University
Maki Kawai President, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
Shigeo Koyasu President, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology
Kimio Hanawa Executive Director and Vice President, Yamagata University
Hiroho Fukuda President, Akita Prefectural University