UIUC delegation visits Kyushu University

On June 22, 2026, a delegation from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), led by Chancellor Charles L. Isbell Jr., visited Kyushu University’s Ito and Hospital Campuses. During the visit, both universities reaffirmed the importance of promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to address global challenges through discussions with President Tatsuro Ishibashi and senior leadership of Kyushu University, as well as individual meetings with faculties and research centers.

Over the years, Kyushu University and UIUC have steadily strengthened their partnership through a variety of collaborative initiatives, including research activities centered on the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (WPI-I²CNER) and a jointly funded matching grant program. Building on this strong foundation, the delegation met with researchers from a wide range of fields—including mathematics, information science, agriculture, medicine, and library and information science. Through case study presentations and face-to-face discussions, participants explored concrete opportunities for future joint research and collaboration.

In addition to formal meetings, a networking dinner brought together researchers already engaged in collaborative activities and those seeking new partnership opportunities. In a relaxed setting, participants exchanged the ideas about their research interests. The dinner was also attended by Ms. Virsa Perkins, the Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate in Fukuoka. Her participation provided valuable external perspectives and further enriched discussions on future cooperation.

The visit not only reaffirmed the achievements of the long-standing partnership between the two universities but also served as a catalyst for generating new collaborative initiatives. In particular, it highlighted the importance of personal connections among researchers and research teams. These interactions form the foundation for building long-term institutional trust and fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations. Kyushu University remains committed to strengthening strategic partnerships with leading universities worldwide and advancing its mission as a research-intensive institution that creates new knowledge through global collaboration.