Strengthening Japan–Sweden academic ties: MIRAI Global Challenges Internship (Study Visit) Program held in Gothenburg

From November 16 to 21, 2025, the MIRAI Global Challenges Internship (Study Visit) Program took place in Gothenburg, Sweden, bringing together 15 early-career researchers and doctoral students from 12 universities in Japan and Sweden. The program aimed to foster new perspectives for tackling global challenges by strengthening collaboration between academia and industry in both countries. Travel expenses for participants from Japan were partially supported by the Scandinavia–Japan Sasakawa Foundation.

Program Highlights

Co-hosted by Kyushu University and the University of Gothenburg, the program featured lectures at the University of Gothenburg and visits to leading Swedish companies and research facilities, including Volvo Group, SKF, Port of Gothenburg, Onsala Space Observatory, and GoCo Health Innovation City. These visits offered participants unique opportunities for direct dialogue with industry professionals.
For example, at Volvo Group, participants enjoyed factory tours, research presentations, and informal networking sessions, while at the Port of Gothenburg, an extended Q&A session provided deep insights into logistics and sustainability. Through these interactions, participants gained practical knowledge on implementing research in society, driving innovation through technology, and embracing interdisciplinary approaches.
Beyond industry engagement, the program also strengthened ties among participants, laying the foundation for future academic exchanges and collaborative research between Japan and Sweden to address global challenges.

Two students represented Kyushu University:

• Mr. Kaili Zhang (3^rd-year doctoral student, Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies)
  Research theme: Zhang studies how the design and structure of our built environments—such as neighborhoods, streets, and cities—affect physical, mental, and social well-being, with the goal of guiding healthier urban planning and public policy.
• Mr. Ryudai Ueno (2^nd-year doctoral student, Graduate School of Bioresource and Environmental Sciences)
  Research theme: Ueno studies the history of Japan's planted forests. He uses GIS to analyze which types of land were converted into plantations in Japan after WWII, and what this means for sustainable forest management.

About “MIRAI”

MIRAI is an academic consortium of 17 universities from Sweden and Japan. Since January 2024, Phase 3 has focused on four key areas aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Health and an ageing population (UN-SDG #3)
2. Climate adaptation, disaster and risk management and prevention (UN-SDG #13)
3. Resilient cities and communities (UN-SDG #11)
4. Materials for energy conversion and storage (UN-SDG #7)

Kyushu University has been a member since MIRAI’s inception and is currently serving as the Japanese-side coordinator for a three-year term. The university also operates the Kyushu University Stockholm Liaison Office, established in 2020, as a hub for promoting academic exchange with Europe through MIRAI.

▶ MIRAI Official Website
▶ Kyushu University Global Gateways

Contact

Kyushu University Stockholm Liaison Office
E-mail: intleurope★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Global Partnership and Alliance, International Affairs Division, International Affairs Department (MIRAI Japanese-side Coordinator)
E-mail: intlsenryaku★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp

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