The Japanese government has announced that Tohoku University is currently the only remaining candidate still with a chance of being selected as a "University for International Research Excellence."
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) initiated the programme late last year to boost the research capabilities of Japanese universities. Successful applicants are expected to have access to the revenue from a 10 trillion JPY fund managed by the government, for enhanced education and research activities.
MEXT initially accepted applications from 10 universities. An expert committee then selected three, including Tohoku University, for an on-site visit and examination in July.
According to a press release issued by MEXT on September 1, Tohoku University will receive final accreditation only after detailed conditions are met during a phase of "accompanied support" by the ministry's Advisory Board.
"We are honored that our university's proposals have been recognized," said Tohoku University President Hideo Ohno at a media conference following the MEXT announcement. "We will continue to make every effort to achieve final accreditation, and work together towards the goal of becoming a world-leading research university."
Details of Tohoku University's proposals can be found here.
Contact:
Tohoku University Public Relations Division
General Affairs and Planning Department
Tel: 022-217-4816
Email: koho
grp.tohoku.ac.jp (Japanese)
Email: public_relationsgrp.tohoku.ac.jp (English)
