This year's ceremony honouring recipients of the Tohoku University International Award and International Alumni Association Award will be held at Kawauchi Hagi Hall as part of Homecoming Day on October 3.
Established in 2022, these awards recognise the achievements of alumni and individuals with strong university connections whose work has enhanced Tohoku University's global presence. They also honour alumni groups whose activities foster solidarity and community across the university's worldwide network of graduates and partners.
Tohoku University International Award
The International Award includes an individual category and two sub-categories - the Science and Technology Award and the Special Award.
Individual Category
-
Jemima Kibira (Kenya)
Technical Lead and Co-founder, Afya Reach Limited
Kibira has actively promoted exchanges between Japan and Africa since her time as a graduate student at Tohoku University, notably through her involvement with the Association for Friendship between Africa and Miyagi (AFAM). As the co-founder and technical lead of Afya Reach Limited, she has made outstanding contributions to strengthening healthcare systems across Africa, helping to train more than 850 community health workers and establishing a digital referral network that connects over 5,000 community health units and facilities.
-
Ramsey Lundock (United States)
International Publications Editor, Public Relations Centre, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
After completing his doctoral degree in Tohoku University's Department of Astronomy, Lundock joined the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), where he has played a leading role in public outreach and international communications. Through his efforts to convey cutting-edge astronomical research to general audiences worldwide, he has made remarkable contributions to the public understanding of science.
-
Mu-Chang Shieh (Taiwan)
Adjunct Professor, Fu Jen Catholic University
MOOC Instructor, National Chengchi University
Member of the Advisory Committee, Center for Japanese Studies, National Taiwan University
A distinguished chemical engineer and nuclear expert, Shieh previously held leadership roles at Taiwan's Atomic Energy Council. Deeply committed to academic development and international collaboration, he has worked with many institutions including National Tsing Hua University and National Cheng Kung University. He is also recognised for foundational research on low-valence sulphur compounds conducted at Tohoku University. In 2020, the Japanese government awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun for his efforts to foster increased academic exchanges between Japan and Taiwan.
Science and Technology Award
-
Yiguang Ju (United States)
Robert Porter Patterson Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University
Following his doctoral degree from Tohoku University, Ju conducted research at both the Institute of Fluid Science and the Graduate School of Engineering before joining Princeton University. He is internationally recognised as one of the world's foremost researchers in combustion science, plasma science and clean energy technologies.
Special Award
-
Fumio Ohuchi (United States)
Specially Appointed Professor (Visiting), Global Strategy Office, Tohoku University
Professor Emeritus, University of Washington
Ohuchi has devoted many years to promoting international academic exchange, educational collaboration and the development of young researchers. He was instrumental in establishing the undergraduate student exchange programme between Tohoku University and the University of Washington in 1993. Through the publication of more than 70 internationally co-authored papers and the organisation of 28 symposia, he has facilitated academic exchange among more than 700 researchers and students. His work through the TU-UW Academic Open Space has further supported early-career researchers and strengthened Tohoku University's international research capabilities.
Tohoku University International Alumni Association Award
This award recognises overseas alumni chapters that have demonstrated particularly impactful and distinctive activities that have helped to raise the university's global profile.
The 2026 winner is the Indonesian Alumni Association of Tohoku University (IATU). Established in 2010, IATU has consistently organised impactful events and webinars attracting hundreds of participants, broadening the university's appeal in Indonesia and fostering strong connections between alumni and prospective students. Its leadership has further elevated Tohoku University's global standing by facilitating bilateral meetings with leading Indonesian universities.
Congratulations to all the winners! For more information on the Tohoku University Alumni Network and the International Awards, please visit:
https://overseas-alumni.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/
Contact:
Tohoku University Alumni and Outreach Office
Tel: 022-217-5059
Email: alumni
grp.tohoku.ac.jp
