Tokyo Tech News
Tokyo Tech News
Published: April 19, 2018
President Kazuya Masu, inaugurated on April 1, 2018, and Tokyo Tech's four executive vice presidents held their first press conference on April 5 at Ookayama Campus to speak about the Institute's continuous reform efforts and future initiatives as a Designated National University (DNU). After introducing the new executive Team Tokyo Tech, Masu outlined various areas through which the Institute looks to create new value and increased impact, and consequently, achieve recognition as a world-leading science and technology university.
Masu (center) with Tokyo Tech executive vice presidents
Masu explained that Tokyo Tech's ambitious enhancements in education, research, and governance since 2012 have been effective, and now form strong foundations for the Institute's roadmap as a DNU.
Outline of Designated National University Corporation proposal
Tokyo Tech's education system reforms have boosted students' motivation to learn proactively, and the Institute is responding by providing broader educational content to meet the expanding needs of the student population. Examples include updated leadership training at the Institute's leading graduate schools, a new doctoral program that utilizes joint research with corporate partners, and a Bachelor-to-Doctor (B2D) program for students aiming for swift academic progress. With such additions to its student-centered system, Tokyo Tech strengthens its ability to develop innovative, highly skilled professionals capable of generating new businesses and opening up a future society.
Maintaining a high level of research excellence and competitiveness is crucial to keeping pace with the world's leading universities. Based on its ingrained research strengths, the Institute has set three priority fields — next-generation element strategy, integrated energy science, digital society devices and systems — for which Tokyo Tech aims to become the go-to hub of expertise and knowledge sharing. Tokyo Tech ANNEXes will be established sequentially around the globe to promote industry collaborations and efficient information sharing overseas, while the new Organization for Fundamental Research will enable emerging talents to focus fully on basic research.
By establishing Tokyo Tech Innovation, an external entity that will advance strategic partnerships with and provide consulting services to businesses, Tokyo Tech will broaden engagement with society. A gap fund established in collaboration with venture capital firms will provide stronger support for Tokyo Tech-rooted startup companies, and increased lifelong learning opportunities will offer professionals the latest knowledge in science and technology-related fields.
While giving ample attention to the enhancement of its education and research activities, Tokyo Tech's DNU proposal also highlights the Institute's important role as a "facilitator of science and technology." At the center of this facilitation is the Laboratory for Design of Social Innovation in Global Networks (DLab), a group of Tokyo Tech members, alumni, and professionals from outside the Institute, who design and propose to the public images of an alternate future and create new fields of research required to actualize these proposals.
Tokyo Tech's efforts to strengthen both its strategic management capabilities and overall financial base are core components of the Institute's future vision. While focusing on increased collaborations with industry partners and efficient utilization of existing resources, the Institute has also appointed its first provost, who has taken over certain education and research-related duties previously carried out by the president. This will allow President Masu more room to engage with the wider community, resulting in a Virtuous Cycle that facilitates sustainable investment of funds into Tokyo Tech education and research.
"By respecting the creative, divergent thinking of each individual, we provide an environment where every Tokyo Tech faculty member, student, and member of staff can perform to the best of their abilities. I envision Tokyo Tech as a buzzing hub of activity that responds to the needs of society, opens doors to a new era, and contributes to the creation of a better future," Masu wrapped up his first press conference as president.
Masu speaking about vision and future initiatives
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
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