Nov 26 2025

From Thursday, November 13, to Monday, November 17, President Ushiki visited India to attend the 4th Japan-India University Forum held in Hyderabad, India, hosted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). During this visit, he also met with several of Niigata University’s partner institutions in India to discuss the further promotion of research collaboration and international exchange.

The Forum, organized every year by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), brings together Presidents, Vice-Chancellors, Directors and other senior officials of leading universities and research institutions in Japan and India, with the aim of enhancing cooperation in science, technology, and higher education. This year’s event, themed “Accelerating Japan-India Talent Circulation in Science and Technology Collaboration,” saw participation from 49 Japanese universities, research institutes, and companies, and 36 Indian universities and research institutions.

At a roundtable session, President Ushiki co-chaired discussions with President Gobardhan Das of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal. The session focused on strengthening Japan-India collaborative research among regionally distinctive research universities, with active dialogue among representatives of seven universities from both countries. Niigata University was represented by Vice President Satish Kumar (in charge of research), who presented an overview of the recently approved “Program for Forming Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS), by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology” which will be implemented across the university. This program provides an opportunity to operate joint research labs with Indian partner universities and provide international co-supervision for graduate students. Following the session, a bilateral meeting was held, with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur represented by its Director, Professor Manindra Agrawal, where both parties agreed to extend the university-wide exchange agreement (MOU) and strengthen collaboration in medical sciences.

Group photo of participants attending the Forum

Roundtable session at the Forum

Bilateral Meeting with Director Manindra Agrawal of IIT Kanpur

Separately, President Ushiki visited the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram. At IISc, he met with Director Govindan Rangarajan and researchers at the Center for Brain Research and Center for Neuroscience, exchanging views on collaboration in dementia research, PET technology, and the use of brain specimen collections at Niigata University’s Brain Research Institute. The two centers and Niigata University previously co-hosted a symposium in September 2025, laying the groundwork for further research exchanges.

President Ushiki also toured the IISc Quantum Technology Initiative (IQTI) and Artpark, a hub for innovation in AI and robotics, observing firsthand how researchers from diverse fields collaborate on interdisciplinary technological advancements. He also held discussions with representatives involved in the planned Tata-IISc Medical School to discuss potential collaboration in medical education and research. IISc plans to establish a medical school with an affiliated hospital in 2026, which is expected to open new avenues for cooperation with Niigata University in the field of medical sciences.

Meeting with Researchers of CBR and CNS at IISc

Meeting with Director Govindan Rangarajan of IISc

Meeting with Researchers of IQTI at IISc

Meeting with Professors of Tata-IISc Medical School

At IIST, President Ushiki held discussions with Pro-Vice Chancellor Kuruvilla Joseph and others regarding ongoing student exchange programs in field sciences, led primarily by Niigata University’s Faculty of Science. Professor Viswanathan Jagadambal Rajesh of IIST, a key figure in these programs, was recognized for his contributions and officially appointed as a Liaison Professor of Niigata University (LP) by President Ushiki, who presented him with the official letter of appointment. He also visited IIST’s Ponmudi Climate Observatory, viewing state-of-the-art atmospheric observation instruments for aerosols, cloud physics, and greenhouse gases.

Discussion with Pro-Vice Chancellor Kuruvilla and other officials from IIST

Professor Rajesh (center) of IIST presented the LP Appointment Letter by President Ushiki (second from the right)

Visit to Ponmudi Climate Observatory

Niigata University will continue to strengthen partnerships with research institutions overseas, including in India, and actively promote the creation of regional research hubs and international exchange initiatives.

Contact:

Office of International Partnerships
025-262-6935