We Are Tomodachi Japan and Russia Edition 2018

11/20

11Kazan Federal University (left) in Kazan, capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, established in 1804, is known as the birthplace of organic chemistry in Russia. Kanazawa University (right) in Ishikawa Prefecture is a national university created in 1949 by the merger of five schools including the former national Kanazawa Medical University, which had its roots in a vaccination center established in 1862.KFU Vice-Rector Tayursky (right middle) with Kanazawa University faculty and staff, discussing the future direction of the two universities’ relationship.Russian students visited Japan through the cultural exchange program of Kanazawa University.Dr. Yoshio Otani, Vice President of Kanazawa University, also directs the Organization of Global Affairs.Kanazawa University’s “Training Program for Russia-Japan Innovative Leaders of Tomorrow” was selected by MEXT as an “Inter-University Exchange Project” in August 2017. This program will expand collaboration with Russian universities such as KFU and with a research organization in the Republic of Tatarstan, and will include the launching of a basic science program in physics and computing science, a preventative medicine program centered in the areas of neuroscience, oncology, and circulatory and preventative medicine, and advanced science and technology programs in machine engineering and in information science.Yoshio Otani, Vice President of Kanazawa University, explains, “We are planning a double diploma program so that graduates can receive degrees from both universities. Dmitry Tayursky, Vice-Rector for Education of KFU who has experience as a lecturer at Kanazawa University, has deep appreciation for Japan and enthusiasm for the program. Under Tayursky’s strong leadership, planning for the exchange program is proceeding smoothly.” Tayursky also speaks his enthusiasm, “Any collaboration between universities in different countries is a kind of ‘people diplomacy.’ We are looking for a new generation of young leaders who can transform the world for the prosperity and benefit of both societies.”Otani believes that “enhanced collaboration between Kanazawa University and KFU will make for good relationships between Ishikawa Prefecture and the Republic of Tatarstan, and between Japan and Russia.”