Message
Asako Sugimoto
Tohoku Forum for Creativity Director
Tohoku University Executive Vice President (for Research)
The Tohoku Forum for Creativity (TFC) aims to foster research exchanges among diverse researchers to generate new knowledge. Since its inception in 2013, the TFC has acted as the coordinating center for various projects focused on internationalization. The Thematic Programs (TP) under this framework invite leading researchers to Tohoku University for one to three months. These programs strive to involve researchers of all levels and backgrounds to form a diverse intellectual network, exploring specific themes from innovative and multi–angle perspectives. Through the Junior Research Programs (JRP), we offer emerging researchers the chance to spearhead future research fields. Additionally, since FY2022, we have initiated the Future Society Design Programs (FSDP), which provide platforms for discussing societal and industrial challenges.
Following the COVID–19 pandemic, from 2022 onwards, the programs have resumed as in–person events. In FY2022, we conducted five TPs, two JRPs, and two FSDPs, followed by one TP, one JRP, and five FSDPs in FY2023. This year, we plan to hold two TPs, one JRP, and five FSDPs.
Numerous success stories have emerged from the TFC programs. A standout example is the Thematic Program “Integrated Understanding of Marine Environment and Marine Ecosystems” in FY2023. Its accomplishments led to the establishment of a new WPI (World Premier International Research Center Initiative), the Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI–AIMEC) in 2023, achieved through a partnership between Tohoku University and JAMSTEC.
In 2023, we launched the Design Lab for our Future Co–existence, a restructured version of the Design Hub for our Future Society, which operated from 2020 to 2022. The Design Lab, TFC facilitates the creation of social value through collaborations with various stakeholders, including companies, local governments, and citizens. It promotes the development of young talent through cooperative activities.
In 2024, Tohoku University became the first institution in Japan to meet the requirements for accreditation as a University for International Research Excellence. This prestigious recognition highlights the university's dedication to advancing global research and its leadership in fostering international academic collaborations. We appreciate your support for our activities and kindly request your continued cooperation and assistance.