Led by dr. Andrea Bandelli, Head of International Relations, the delegation comprised 24 academics from diverse faculties and dedicated staff members. Throughout their journey, the delegation engaged in meaningful conversations and forged valuable connections, further strengthening the collaborative ties between VU Amsterdam and its Japanese counterparts.
On May 23rd, 2023, VU Amsterdam successfully hosted a Round Table Discussion on interdisciplinary approaches to research and innovation for a mentally healthy and dynamic society, aligning with Japan's Society 5.0 vision and Moonshot programs. The discussion was skillfully moderated by Prof. Meike Bartels, University Research Chair Professor in Genetics and Well-being in collaboration with Mr. Eric van Kooij, Counsellor for Science, Technology & Innovation, the Netherlands Innovation Network and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan. On the same day, VU Amsterdam orchestrated a highly successful VU Alumni Event in Tokyo under the leadership of Ms. Delia de Vreeze, Director of University Relations & Fundraising. The evening commenced with a reception at the Residence of H.E. Mr. Peter van der Vliet, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Japan, where participants and VU alumni actively engaged in stimulating discussions. The event not only showcased the vibrant VU alumni community in Japan but also reinforced the dedication to forward-thinking leadership and cooperative ventures.
The second part of the visit took the delegation to Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka Universities, where they engaged with distinguished individuals who are at the forefront of driving change in their institutions. The honor of meeting Prof. Yasuyuki Kono, Vice-President of International Strategy at Kyoto University, and Prof. Tamotsu Nakamura, Executive Vice President of Kobe University, was matched by insightful discussions with Prof. Manabu Tanaka, Executive Vice President of Osaka University, and Prof. Beverly Yamamoto, Executive Vice President for International Affairs.
Throughout their week-long sojourn, which took place from May 22nd to May 26th, the delegation members immersed themselves in high-level conversations and workshops with their counterparts, touching upon crucial topics such as academic freedom, diversity and inclusion, research integrity, computational cognitive neurosciences, health and well-being, environmental humanities and digital humanities, international relations and security studies, employability, sustainability, and breakthrough innovation. These discussions laid the groundwork for exciting joint research initiatives, interdisciplinary grant proposals, PhD, and faculty exchanges, highlighting the immense potential for collaboration between VU Amsterdam and their Japanese counterparts.
The delegation's focus on mentally healthy societies, language and cultural competencies, sustainability and innovation, happy societies, waste management, and recycling, and business garnered comprehensive attention and reinforced the shared commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of our times. The fruitful exchange of ideas and expertise throughout the visit fostered trust and set the stage for future collaborations, enriching the academic landscape for both institutions.
While the visit revolved around the pursuit of academic collaborations, the delegation also took the opportunity to immerse themselves in the captivating culture, history, and society of Japan. Between their rigorous schedules, they indulged in the wonders of the country, experiencing its vibrant traditions, exploring historical landmarks, and savoring the delectable local cuisine. The culinary offerings of Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto, and Osaka are a delightful symphony of flavors, displaying a diverse range of delectable cuisine that ranges from the intricate artistry of sushi and sashimi to the succulent Kobe beef, and from the delicate refinement of Kyoto's kaiseki cuisine to Osaka's vibrant street food scene filled with mouth-watering takoyaki and okonomiyaki. These moments of cultural exploration served as a reminder of the profound impact that a deep understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures can have on academia and society.
The VU Amsterdam delegation expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all those who welcomed them, including the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS), Waseda University, Hosei University, Nagoya University, Kwansei Gakuin University, Tokai University, RIKEN, Nagasaki University, Hitotsubashi University, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Kyoto University, Sophia University, Keio University, Seikei University, Osaka University, Kobe University, Kansai Gaidai University, Japan Student Services Organization(JASSO), Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. (KYOTO-iCAP) and their fellow delegation members. They also extended their appreciation to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Tokyo with special thanks to the Netherlands Innovation Network for providing them with a platform to present their vision of international and interdisciplinary collaborations.
As the VU Amsterdam delegation returns to Amsterdam, they carry a profound sense of fulfillment and inspiration derived from the meaningful connections forged and the immense potential for transformative collaborations. The visit to Japan stands as a resounding testament to VU Amsterdam's unwavering commitment to fostering global partnerships and spearheading innovative research that tackles society's most pressing challenges.
The journey to Japan, which took place from May 22nd to May 26th, not only strengthened bonds between VU Amsterdam and Japanese universities but also exemplified the true essence of academic exchange and collaborative pursuits in teaching and research. The delegation members are eager to share their experiences, knowledge, and cultural insights with the VU Amsterdam community, further stimulating our commitment to internationalisation and interdisciplinary collaboration.