President Shigeru Saito of University of Toyama paid a courtesy visit to University of West Bohemia and Czech Academy of Sciences
From October 24 to 29, 2023, President Shigeru Saito of University of Toyama(UT), Professor Kenji Matsuda of School of Sustainable Design, Associate Professor Keisuke Hatada of School of Science, one undergraduate student of UT, and two administrative staffs visited University of West Bohemia (UWB) and Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Czech Republic for the purpose of signing academic exchange agreements, appointment of University of Toyama Liaison Professor, and opening University of Toyama Liaison Office.
On the way to UWB, in the middle of Prague Old Town.
(From Left) Student of School of Science, President Saito, Associate Prof. Hatada, Prof. Matsuda, two administrative staffs.
UWB is a national university established in 1991, consisting of 9 faculties and 2 research institutes with approximately 11,000 students. School of Science of UT and Research Center for New Technologies of UWB have signed an interdepartmental academic exchange agreement in 2019, and conducting student exchange since then.
President Saito paid a courtesy visit to Rector Miroslav Lávička and signed an inter-university academic exchange agreement, aiming for further development of student exchange as well as promotion of joint research between two universities. Both leaders had a lively discussion during this time.
President Saito and Rector Lávička signed the inter-university academic exchange agreement.
After the courtesy visit, UT delegation toured Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art (UWB), which conducts research on contemporary art and many other subjects. In an energetic atmosphere of the faculty, where students were creating their own art and discussing with peers, President Saito learned about the details of the faculty, instructed by the faculty’s Dean Vojtěch Aubrecht.
During the tour of Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art.
(From Left) President Saito, Dean Vojtěch Aubrecht.
President Saito subsequently visited New Technologies Research Centre (UWB), where he handed a letter of appointment to Dr. Ján Minár, leader of Advanced Materials Research Team, and then opened up University of Toyama Liaison Office in his laboratory, which will serve as a base for international exchange between UT and UWB. “It is a great honor, and we would like to do my best for the better for UWB and UT,” said Dr. Minár. The Liaison Office is expected to play a role in further promoting student exchange and joint research.
Appointment of University of Toyama Liaison Professor to Dr. Ján Minár.
(From Left) President Saito, Dr. Minár.
Signing on MOU of University of Toyama Liaison Office.
Opening University of Toyama Liaison Office at Dr. Minár’s office.
The following day, on October 27, President Saito and his delegation visited Czech Academy of Sciences(CAS). CAS is a national research institution founded in 1784, consisting of 54 research institutes in three departments with approximately 4,000 researchers. School of Engineering of UT and the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the CAS have signed an interdepartmental academic exchange agreement in 2003 and conducting joint research since then.
President Saito paid a courtesy visit to President Eva Zažímalová and singed an inter-university academic exchange agreement, aiming for further development of joint research as well as exchanging researchers.
President Saito and President Zažímalová signed the inter-university academic exchange agreement.
Afterwards, President Saito handed letter of appointments to CAS’s Vice President Ilona Müllerová and Dr. Šárka Mikmeková, and then opened University of Toyama Liaison Office in Vice President Müllerová’s office. They said, “We’re honored and look forward to continuing our cooperation with UT,”.
Appointment of University of Toyama Liaison Professor to Vice President Ilona Müllerová (left) and Dr. Šárka Mikmeková (right).
Opening University of Toyama Liaison Office at Vice President Müllerová’s office.
After that, University of Toyama Liaison Professor Assembly was held at CAS. Vice President Ilona Müllerová, Dr. Šárka Mikmeková, and Dr. Alberto Marmodoro of CAS took part in the assembly, with additional attendance by Counsellor/Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Ikuo Shoji from Embassy of Japan in the Czech Republic. At the assembly, newly appointed Liaison Professor Vice President Müllerová introduced the activities of CAS and the Institute of Scientific Instruments as well as the past exchanges between UT. Then, another Liaison Professor Dr. Mikmeková gave an insightful lecture on her research theme and exchanged opinions with participants on future academic activities.
President Saito introducing UT to participants of the assembly.
Presentation by Vice President Müllerová.
Presentation by Dr. Mikmeková.
We expect further development of academic exchange with WBU and CAS through more elaborate cooperation promoted by newly appointed Liaison Professors and newly established Liaison Office.