IPB University and Tohoku University Strengthen Academic Partnership Through Liaison Office
IPB University and Tohoku University, Japan, have strengthened their academic partnership which has spanned more than two decades through the inauguration of the Tohoku University Liaison Office at IPB University. The event took place at the IPB Dramaga Campus in Bogor on (8/7).
The establishment of this liaison office is a strategic step to expand collaboration between the two institutions in the fields of education, research, academic exchange, and the development of various joint programs.
IPB University Rector Dr Alim Setiawan Slamet stated that the liaison office is not merely a symbol of the relationship between the two institutions, but a permanent platform for coordinating and developing various cooperative programs.
“The establishment of this liaison office reflects the trust and long term commitment that has been built between the two universities,” said Dr Alim.
He noted that the relationship between IPB University and Tohoku University has evolved from academic communication and meetings into various concrete activities. One such activity is the IPB–Tohoku University Gateway Camp 2026, themed “Transforming Indonesia’s Food System: From Regulation to Practice,” which brings together students and faculty from various academic disciplines.
“Those initial discussions have now evolved into various concrete activities, including the Gateway Camp and the establishment of this liaison office,” he said.
Dr Alim hopes that the liaison office will open up more opportunities, such as summer courses, student and faculty exchanges, joint supervision of doctoral students, and the development of double degree and joint degree programs.
Meanwhile, Prof Kiyotaka Nakagawa, Dean of the Graduate School of Agricultural Science and the Faculty of Agriculture at Tohoku University, welcomed the establishment of the liaison office. He views this step as part of the ongoing development of the relationship between the two universities, which has spanned more than 20 years.
“I am very pleased that IPB University has established our office here. Our collaboration has been ongoing for more than 20 years, and I myself have been contributing to IPB through my laboratory for more than 20 years,” he said.
He hopes the liaison office can serve as a catalyst for broader collaboration, particularly in education and research.
“With this liaison office, we certainly aim to enhance cooperation in the field of education whether through dual degree programs, Gateway Camp, summer courses, or other exchange programs. We also aim to strengthen research collaboration between IPB and Tohoku University in the fields of food, agriculture, and other areas,” he concluded.
This inauguration also marks a new chapter in the relationship between IPB University and Tohoku University, moving from activity based partnerships toward more structured, sustainable, and impactful collaboration. (AS) (IAAS/KQA)
