Selection of Tokyo Tech as Designated National University Corporation

Information

Published: March 20, 2018

Tokyo Institute of Technology was selected as a Designated National University Corporation by Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) on March 20, 2018. Aiming to create innovation and boost the level of education and research at Japan's universities, the Designated National University Corporation system includes Japanese national universities that are expected to produce world-leading education and research activities.

President Yoshinao Mishima (right)
receiving Designated National University certificate
from MEXT Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi

President Mishima with the certificate

Comments from President Yoshinao Mishima

The selection of Tokyo Tech as a Designated National University Corporation will function as an extremely favorable tailwind that will propel the Institute further towards its long-term goal of becoming one of the world's leading universities in science and technology. Tokyo Tech's faculty and staff have united under a shared vision. I have no doubt that this unity will support the Institute in its continuous mission of producing professionals who make a significant impact on the world, uncovering the truth in various science and engineering fields, and creating innovative technologies through constant dialogue and collaboration with society.

Outline of Tokyo Tech's proposal and five outcomes

By transferring Tokyo Tech ideas through outstanding academic achievements and open, active engagement with the public, the Institute aims to "pioneer a new era through continuous dialogue with society and the discovery of hidden possibilities in science and technology." Tokyo Tech is committed to maintaining a strong governance system that oversees and supports this development.

Positioned at the core of Tokyo Tech's proposal is the Laboratory for Design of Social Innovation in Global Networks (DLab). DLab, a group of professionals from within and outside the Institute, will act collectively as a facilitator of cutting-edge science and technology to design and propose a vision for a more prosperous, "alternate future" society. Tokyo Tech expects its continuous efforts to promote various initiatives in education, research, engagement, and governance to result in the five following organically linked outcomes.

Outcome 1. Reinforced student-centered learning and diversification of student and faculty population

Education

Outcome 1. Reinforced student-centered learning and diversification of student and faculty populationEducation

Ensure an education system that allows students to formulate a clear personal vision and learn proactively, and responds to the changing needs of a more diverse student population
Promote diversity among students, faculty, and staff, and create an environment where students can engage in friendly competition with others from diverse cultural backgrounds

Outcome 2. Enhanced global recognition of Tokyo Tech research achievements

Research

Outcome 2. Enhanced global recognition of Tokyo Tech research achievementsResearch

Prioritize research based on the Institute's strengths and actively share findings to attract outstanding individuals
As a global research hub, engage prominent researchers in international joint research to create innovative science and technology

Outcome 3. Opening up of new, interdisciplinary fields of research

Research

Outcome 3. Opening up of new, interdisciplinary fields of researchResearch

Promote strategic research as Team Tokyo Tech to open up new fields that contribute to the realization of a prosperous future
Adopt a long-term view on promoting an open research environment where emerging faculty members and researchers are encouraged and able to exercise divergent, creative thinking

Outcome 4. Strengthened engagement through idea transfer from new fields

Engagement

Outcome 4. Strengthened engagement through idea transfer from new fieldsEngagement

Design and realize a vision of future society through objective analysis and deep insight into the relationship between society and science and technology, and share proposals with the world on how to realize this vision
Create impact by transferring Tokyo Tech findings to the private and public sectors through revitalized collaborative research with industry, startup incubation, and enhanced lifelong learning opportunities

Outcome 5. Self-sustainability in education and research activities

Governance

Outcome 5. Self-sustainability in education and research activitiesGovernance

Create a governance system on par with the world's leading universities, and maintain a broad, long-term perspective on improving management, academic functions, and societal engagement
Strengthen financial base, not only through collaborative research with industry, but also by boosting the Tokyo Tech Fund and effectively utilizing existing resources

Click to enlarge

Outline of Designated National University Corporation proposal

An alternate future
The Tokyo Tech 2030 statement, consisting of spirit and action, formulated in a series of workshops by members of the Tokyo Tech community

Tokyo Tech 2030

Contact

Public Relations Section, Office of Public Engagement

Email media@jim.titech.ac.jp

Tel +81-3-5734-2975

Fax +81-3-5734-3661

*: This article has been updated to include a link to the latest news from MEXT regarding Designated National University Corporations on March 22.