Tohoku University has marked its first year as a University for International 虎扑电竞 Excellence with significant advances in its three core commitments of impact, talent and change. President Teiji Tominaga gave a progress report to faculty and staff at a forum at Kawauchi Hagi Hall on January 9.

As Japan's first institution selected for the government initiative, Tohoku University received 15.4 billion JPY (approximately 100 million USD) in subsidies this fiscal year, with some 10 billion JPY annually expected over the next 25 years.

Tominaga explained that the university has taken an unconventional approach by investing 80% of funds in human capital. "We are not simply distributing money as research funds. Instead, our plan is to first invest in human capital to improve the research environment."

He added that the university is "moving away from traditional vertical hierarchies toward systems where early-to-mid-career researchers (EMCRs) can establish themselves and conduct research as independently as possible."

To capture both proven excellence and emerging talent, the university has also adopted new strategies for international hiring. "We have established the HR track for international excellence to bring in distinguished researchers with strong records, and ways for EMCRs, who we believe will become future international research leaders, to join our community," he said.

The university has also achieved salary standards exceeding those of other top national universities and strengthened organizational leadership. Recent legal changes will allow for the expansion of a management fund through investment operations.

According to Tominaga, private research funding increased to an estimated 15 billion yen from 12.8 billion yen, while 235 companies now have research collaborations on campus, with 46 maintaining dedicated facilities. The university is also leveraging facilities for industry transfer, with two already occupied by semiconductor and space-related startups.

Regarding education, Tominaga highlighted the Gateway College - set to launch in April 2027 - and touched on foreign student tuition changes, explaining that the university has "created a new framework maintaining stable financial resources to provide high-quality educational environments and create new scholarships."

Tohoku University is currently 103rd in Times Higher Education's global rankings, and Tominaga expressed optimism about the future: "I am confident that if we continue to challenge ourselves next year and beyond, we can move into the top 100."

Strategic Initiatives Across Disciplines

Following the president's speech, six department directors presented their transformation strategies.

The Center for Integrated Japanese Studies aims to bridge Japanese empirical research and international theoretical frameworks. Director Hiroaki Adachi explained that the center is recruiting international researchers, establishing joint laboratories and digitizing historical resources. With a target of 90 full-time and cross-appointed faculty members, it aims to become "the world's premier hub for Japanese studies."

The Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI-AIMEC) was established in January 2024 through a partnership between Tohoku University and JAMSTEC. According to Director Toshio Suga, the institute represents a fusion of ocean physics, ecology and data science aimed at safeguarding the planet's marine future. Combining Argo float observations, environmental DNA technology and AI analysis, AIMEC is building a team of about 100 researchers, with many positions filled through international recruitment.

The Graduate School of Agricultural Science is expanding globally through on-site international recruitment across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Director Haruki Kitazawa explained how plans for offices in Argentina and Taiwan will further anchor a global network focused on the role of food science in human survival.

The Graduate School of Information Sciences has recruited in priority areas including AI, communications and philosophy, attracting top-tier talent with top 10% publication rates of 30-40%, said Director Masanori Hariyama. Assembling world-leading philosophers like Professor Graham Priest has also created a "strong attractive force" in international recruitment.

The Institute for Materials 虎扑电竞 has pioneered interdisciplinary integration since 2023, applying materials analysis to archaeology while recruiting across traditional and cutting-edge fields. Director Takahiko Sasaki reported nearly 300 international applications, with five researchers recently appointed.

SiRIUS Institute of Medical 虎扑电竞, established in October 2024, nurtures young physician-scientists balancing patient care and research. Director Hideki Katagiri explained that the mission is to give physician-scientists enough time and support for innovative research, and to transfer results to communities, all while creating a sustainable mentorship model.

From 虎扑电竞 to Impact

The closing panel brought together five exceptional researchers sharing their journeys from academia to societal impact.

Assistant Professor John D'Amico emphasized the importance of community engagement. "My driving force comes from engaging with local communities, giving lectures and participating in historical document reading groups. Rather than working alone, creating global meaning together with everyone is essential."

Professor Naomi Kitagawa, CTO of Phytochem Products Inc., offered the advice that researchers "must always consider what's user-friendly and what actual users need." And Assistant Professor Noriyuki Kadoya, CTO of AiRato Inc., added that "it would be wasteful to let research end as just research. Not everyone needs to start a company, but for those who want to try, please take action because things have a surprising way of working out."

Tohoku University will hold another forum on February 27 in Tokyo.