On February 8, a 10-member delegation led by Professor Ulrich Rüdiger, rector of RWTH Aachen University, visited the Mita and Yagami campuses. Founded in 1870, RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s leading technical universities. The exchange between Keio University and RWTH Aachen University stretches back about 70 years, mainly focused on the field of science and technology. In addition to researcher exchanges and the double degree program at the Graduate School of Science and Technology, there are now exchanges in a variety of fields, including joint research, university-wide student exchanges, and short-term programs, not limited to the field of science and technology.
In the morning of the day of the visit, President Kohei Itoh, Vice-President Masayuki Amagai, and others, welcomed the delegation at Mita Campus. Rector Rüdiger expressed his gratitude for making this visit possible, and President Itoh reiterated his appreciation for the long history of exchange and friendship between both universities. Following that, both universities shared information and exchanged opinions on the current status of research and education at each university respectively. The discussion session was held amidst a lively atmosphere from beginning to end, with both sides posing multiple questions beyond the scheduled time. Both sides affirmed their commitment to continue strengthening their cooperation, especially in research, towards 2026, which would be the 70th anniversary of the start of exchanges between the two universities.
In the afternoon, the venue shifted to Yagami Campus, where Toshiyuki Murakami, dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Toshiharu Saiki, dean of the Graduate School of Science and Technology, and others, welcomed the delegation. Dean Murakami began the session by expressing his gratitude for the exchange over the years and his hopes for further exchanges in the future. After that, Professor Norihisa Miki, chair of the Committee for International Affairs of the Faculty, provided an overview of the research and educational activities at Yagami Campus. Then, Professor Junichi Ushiba from the Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Associate Professor Keita Ando and Associate Professor Mayu Muramatsu from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Professor Takasumi Tanabe from the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, each showcased some aspects of their research in their respective fields. The RWTH Aachen University delegation showed particular interest in the research content, leading to a lively Q&A session. Heading towards the 70th anniversary of the beginning of exchanges between the two universities, both sides agreed to promote student exchanges more than ever before. In addition, two exchange students from RWTH Aachen University who are pursuing their Master's Program gave a tour of the campus grounds and their research sites.