Opening Ceremony of Center Initiative for Training International Researchers

On November 26, 2024, the Opening Ceremony of Center Initiative for Training International Researchers (CITIR) was held at Multipurpose Hall, School of Science, University of Toyama (UT).

Under the leadership of the President, University of Toyama has been establishing research centers which serve as the foundation for promoting strong, distinctive and world-class research.

As the next stage, UT has established CITIR in April, 2024, for the purpose of promoting international researcher exchanges and developing highly active international joint research. And in June, 2024, Distinguished Research Professor Ishwar Singh Parhar has been appointed as Chief Director for the center.

Functions of CITIR include analysis of research areas of foreign institutions, strategic planning and support for new international joint research projects and recruitment of young global researchers from abroad, and this ceremony has been held to make announcement for the public for the first time.

The ceremony was attended by about 20 guests, including embassy officials from African countries, joint researchers from both national and foreign universities such as Monash University Malaysia and the University of Tsukuba, Toyama Prefectural Government and enterprises in addition to another 80 attendees from UT ranging from students to faculty members such as deans and directors.

In his opening address, President Shigeru Saito of UT introduced the objectives of CITIR and shared his visions for the globalization with audience. This was followed by the launching of CITIR¡¯s website.

Then Chief Director Ishwar Singh Parhar explained in detail the functions and missions of CITIR with concrete plans such as the promotion of summer school program and double degree program.

After that, there were active questions from attendees and lively exchange of opinions in the Q&A session.

At the end of the ceremony, Prof. Masayuki Ikeda, Executive Vice President explained that CITIR owns well-equipped laboratory at School of Science of UT and offers research environment which can be fully utilized to fulfill CITIR¡¯s missions.

After the ceremony, Reception and Table-Talk was held at Open Cafe AZAMI where attendees had very active discussions in a friendly atmosphere. There were also lively exchange of opinions between guests and Chief Director Ishwar Singh Parhar seeking for active collaborations in the future.

It is highly expected that the globalization of UT will be developed centered around CITIR.