EU Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet Visits Kyushu University’s Ito Campus

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, a delegation led by the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Japan, Jean-Eric Paquet, visited Ito Campus, blessed with the refreshingly fine weather at the beginning of summer.

The program began with a courtesy visit, attended by President Ishibashi of Kyushu University, along with four other executive members from Kyushu University, Professor Jiro Hasumi, the Director of the EU Center, and others.

The attendees from Kyushu University included:

• Professor Kenji Iwata, Executive Vice President for International Affairs
• Professor Johan Lawereyns, Senior Vice President for International Affairs
• Professor Kazunari Sasaki, Senior Vice President for Research and Education Promotion in Energy and Decarbonization and Director of the International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy
• Professor Natalie Konomi, Vice President for International Affairs

During the courtesy visit, attendees actively exchanged their views on the possibilities for further collaboration between the EU and Japan, including prospects for the EU’s Horizon Europe program.

The courtesy visit was followed by a campus tour. They visited the International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy and the Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics Research (OPERA). Ambassador Paquet listened attentively to the explanations by the directors of both centers and showed a keen interest in the activities and achievements of both facilities. Ambassador Paquet also had the opportunity to ride in the “MIRAI”, a fuel cell vehicle that runs on electricity generated by hydrogen and oxygen, during his visit to the campus.

The program concluded with a special lecture by Ambassador Paquet on the future strategy of the European Union and EU-Japan Relations. Hosted by the EU Center and supported by the Stockholm Liaison Office at Kyushu University, the lecture was attended by over 20 students and faculty members. Participants listened intently to the Ambassador’s impassioned lecture as he spoke about the relationship between the EU and Japan in a constantly changing world. During the interactive session in the latter half, participants actively asked questions and engaged in a lively discussion with the Ambassador, which extended beyond the originally scheduled time. The interactive style of the event allowed participants to communicate with the Ambassador in an intimate setting—a valuable opportunity for Kyushu University.

Since the establishment of the EU Center in 2010, Kyushu University has served as the EU’s academic hub in Japan. Kyushu University has disseminated information on EU politics, economics, science and technology, and culture, while further enhancing and expanding EU research and education within Kyushu University. Among these efforts are the EU Studies Diploma Programmes (EU-DPs), which provide students with opportunities for interdisciplinary study and research across various fields related to EU and EU member states.

In addition, to establish its local base in Europe, including the EU, Kyushu University set up the Stockholm Liaison Office in 2020, where a full-time employee has been placed. The office is utilized by the university as a whole, participating in a wide range of activities, including international university consortia like MIRAI (Japan-Sweden) and RENKEI (Japan-UK Research and Education Network for Knowledge Economy Initiatives).  Additionally, it engages in information gathering and networking for international industry-university collaboration. The office also provides local support for education and research activities conducted by undergraduate and graduate schools. Furthermore, it creates opportunities for interaction between current students and alumni.

Including but not limited to these activities centered on Europe, Kyushu University aims to become a hub for international talent circulation through institution-level international collaboration based on its long-term vision “VISION 2030.” Thus, Kyushu University will strive to nurture future leaders in international society and to contribute to solving global-scale issues.