Akita University Visits National Cheng Kung University to Discuss Future Collaboration Opportunities
Written by NCKU Office of Internation Affairs. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
On July 15, 2025, Prof. Takeshi Gotoh, Vice President of International Exchange of Akita University (AU), led a delegation to visit National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) for an exchange of ideas on potential future collaborations in various fields, including earth sciences, energy technology, and gerontology.
Chair Prof. Sun-Yuan Hsieh, Vice President for International Affairs at NCKU, presented a gift to Prof. Takeshi Gotoh, Vice President of International Exchange, Akita University.
In his welcome remarks, Vice President Hsieh noted that the recent exchange between the two universities began in 2019. To further deepen the relationship, a Memorandum of Understanding and a student exchange agreement were formally signed in 2023. During the meeting, he proposed not only student exchanges but also faculty mobility programs, such as academic visits lasting several months to facilitate joint research, or even establishing international research partnerships based on specific academic fields identified. Additionally, he welcomed AU students to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees at NCKU after graduation.
Prof. Takeshi Gotoh expressed his gratitude to NCKU for organizing the meeting. He provided an overview of AU, which currently consists of five faculties. Notably, the newest addition is the Faculty of Informatics and Data Science, established in April of this year. This faculty is dedicated to advancing data science and cultivating digital talent. Through this meeting, he hopes to promote student exchanges and research collaborations that could benefit both universities.
Prof. Atsushi Shibayama, Dean of the Graduate School of International Resource Sciences of AU, also expressed his appreciation for NCKU’s reception. During the meeting, he introduced the Faculty and Graduate School of International Resource Sciences of AU. The university’s predecessor, Akita Mining College, was established in 1910. The establishment of the faculty can be traced back to this year, and it is a unique faculty in Japan that focuses on resource sciences and offers a comprehensive education and research platform covering the fields of engineering, resources, earth sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
In line with AU's efforts on green transformation and a sustainable society, as well as its core role in Akita Prefecture’s healthcare through Akita University Hospital, the meeting included faculty members from NCKU’s earth sciences, energy, and medical fields for discussions.
Prof. Ruey-Juin Rao from Department of Earth Sciences, who also serves as Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Center (SEEC), introduced the center, which was established last year. The center focuses on projects in earth sciences and engineering fields. He also mentioned a recent discussion between his team member and a professor from AU.
Dist. Prof. Ta-Hui Lin, Director of Research Center for Energy Technology and Strategy (RCETS), shared the center's research focus and missions, which include areas such as low-carbon energy and offshore wind power. In the field of medicine, Assoc. Prof. Yun-Hsuan Chang from the Institute of Gerontology and Dr. Deng-Chi Yang from the Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology at NCKU Hospital gave introductions on their respective organizations.
Prof. Li-Fan Liu from the Institute of Gerontology pointed out that Akita Prefecture is facing population aging issues. AU also has related courses and research in this field. She expressed interest in learning more about AU’s relevant academic exchange programs to promote mutual learning. Prof. Gotoh responded that further information would be provided for future discussions.
The two universities exchanged ideas on potential collaboration in earth sciences, energy technology, and gerontology.
The AU delegation included Prof. Takeshi Gotoh, Vice President of International Exchange, Prof. Atsushi Shibayama, Dean of the Graduate School of International Resource Sciences, Ms. Yoko Makino, Director of International Affairs Division and Ms. Tomoko Inaba, Administrative Director of the Graduate School of International Resource Sciences.
Representatives from NCKU included Chair Prof. Sun-Yuan Hsieh, Vice President for International Affairs, Dist. Prof. Ta-Hui Lin, Director of Research Center for Energy Technology and Strategy, Prof. Ruey-Juin Rau, Director of Sustainable Energy and Environment Center, Prof. Li-Fan Liu and Assoc. Prof. Yun-Hsuan Chang from the Institute of Gerontology, Attending Physician Deng-Chi Yang, MD, MSc from Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Ms. Sophie Cheng and Mr. Kevin Chiu, Managers from International Relations Division of Office of International Affairs.
Akita University, located in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, Japan, was established in 1949 based on Akita Normal School, Akita Mining College, and Akita Youth Normal School. From 2020 to 2025, the top three areas of Akita University’s scholarly output are Medicine (48.6%), Biochemistry/Genetics/Molecular Biology (16.4%), and Engineering (15.3%).
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2025-07-18
Click Num:
Share