To all our new students, congratulations on your admission to Gifu University. We are extremely pleased to have 1,324 new undergraduate students and 642 graduate students join our campus this year; on behalf of the university faculty and staff, I welcome all of you. I am grateful to share this new beginning with all of you, as we commence a new chapter in our lives. Over the past three years, we have experienced the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in many restrictions on our daily lives. In addition, the world has been significantly affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Consequently, people worldwide continue to face severe hardship. However, even this unprecedented adversity did not break your strong determination to work hard and enter a new place of study at Gifu University. I ensure you that you have made the right choice regarding your academic direction by choosing this university. I would also like to take this opportunity to show my appreciation to everyone, including your guardians and supervisors, who have supported you at every step of the way. Due to the continually evolving nature of Covid-19 and safety measures, the in-person Entrance Ceremony here at the Nagaragawa Convention Center will be held in three ceremonies today, separated by faculty and graduate school, with the presence of attendees limited. The Ceremony will also be livestreamed on Gifu University's YouTube channel in its entirety for those who are not able to attend.

　Firstly, I would like to offer some brief insights into Gifu University.

　As a comprehensive general university deeply rooted in the local community, Gifu University consists of six faculties: Education, Applied Biological Sciences, Regional Studies, Engineering, Medicine, and the newly established School of Social System Management in April 2021. Although the University was officially founded in 1949, our institution's history can be traced back to the founding of Gifu Normal School in 1873, making it the fourth oldest university in Japan. The establishment of Gifu Normal School was followed by the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences (in 1923) and the Faculty of Engineering and School of Medicine (both in the 1940s). Moreover, Gifu University Hospital was established in 1875, when the public hospital buildings and the university's affiliated medical school were relocated to Tsukasa Town, Gifu City. I invite you to view displays of rich archives on and off campus, where you can explore the university's invaluable historic and academic assets on both real and virtual platforms.
　This year marks the fourth anniversary of the establishment of Japan's first academic integration scheme which began in April 2020 called "Tokai National Higher Education and Research System" (THERS). The creation of this joint entity facilitated deeper engagement in a wider range of joint educational and research projects at Nagoya and Gifu universities.
　While sharing THERS' mission of "Make New Standards for the Public" and upholding Gifu University's own long-term ideals of "Learning, Exploring, and Contributing," we advocate the following core values of our new vision and strategies for the future: "strategic promotion of co-creation within the community," "execution of unique and original research projects," "sparking of innovations," "provision of quality education," and "serving as a hub for community revitalization to address various issues of humanity." Considering this, we embrace a new age with our stakeholders.
　Furthermore, under our newly created model for value-creation, "Migration, Laboratory, Innovation, Education," Gifu University together with our stakeholders are striving to advance the five objectives of "Creation of Businesses and Community-Building," "Product Manufacturing," "Food Manufacturing," "Development of New Medical Systems," and "Human Resource Developments." The virtuous cycle of our academic achievements and social contributions sparking dynamic change in the community further helps us make Gifu University a place for students to fulfill their dreams and become active players in community building. For sustainable growth and to serve as a driving force for social transformation, we are committed to proceeding continuously with our university's reform efforts.
Next, I would like to share the major achievements of Gifu University in the three years since the establishment of THERS in 2020. New educational programs introduced by Academic Central¹ which include joint classes for students of both Gifu and Nagoya universities under Gifu University's Campus-Wide Core Curriculum that focus on English, mathematical and data science, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our credit transfer system and shared use of laboratories and facilities between students from both universities have expanded significantly. In addition, joint support for PhD students has accelerated. We have developed the "Digital University Initiative²" and are looking forward to its actualization. It will expedite campus digital transformation by offering an enhanced educational environment for students and researchers in the future.
　Also, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan selected Gifu University to develop the "Gifu Region Human Resource Development Program³: to establish academic infrastructure for regional revitalization" under the "Human Resource Development for Regional Revitalization: Supereminent Program for Activating Regional Collaboration (SPARC) 2022." Within the framework of this program, Gifu University is forging strong ties with Gifu City Women's College, Chubu Gakuin University and College, and other national, public, and private universities. Specifically, we are involved in the joint creation of new educational curricula, the facilitation of business entrepreneurship, and community building.
Now, let me explain some major developments of THERS' "Core Educational and Research Directives." First, the "Human Glycome⁴ Project" was launched by the Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE) as a large-scale national project to create a new horizon in life sciences, and it is already making significant progress.
　Second, the Aerospace Research and Education Hub (AREH) was established. Its primary mission is to advance aerospace technology and develop human resource development. Today, as one of the directives of THERS, AREH is launching "Cyber Physical Factory" projects to assist a wide range of manufacturing businesses in the community since gaining support from Gifu Prefecture and the Cabinet Office.
　We are in the process of building one of the most progressive bases for life sciences in Japan to advance new medicine and drug discovery. All relevant faculties of Gifu University, including medicine, veterinary and pharmaceutical sciences, and drug discovery, and others are important stakeholders in building this base for life sciences; which will be bolstered by the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering in combining the fields of life sciences, food sciences, agriculture, and bioengineering. In January 2023, the Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT) commenced operations to discover and develop new medical treatments. We are ready to expand our collaboration to include other research institutions, where scholars and researchers can freely interact to pursue new medical and therapeutic interventions or treatments for humans and animals. COMIT has demonstrated a leadership role in creating a comprehensive regional clinical research platform and implementing THERS' drug discovery, leading to medical research strategy initiatives.
　We have made consistent efforts to promote carbon neutrality and environmental protection to attain all the SDGs⁵. We hope that substantial progress in science, technology, and dynamic innovations will enable us to address a wide range of socioeconomic issues, such as climate change, sustainability, and employment changes, and work toward robust economic growth in the future.
　There are many more research fields that Gifu University is spearheading, both in Japan and abroad; I sincerely wish that whichever discipline you are involved in, you will strive relentlessly toward academic accomplishments and success.
　
　Providing opportunities for our students to learn and explore their chosen field of study or research remains our utmost priority, especially as we now transition to a new post-pandemic life in Japan. The implementation of in-person classes on campus while following covid prevention measures, along with lectures and classes offered virtually, will maximize learning opportunities for all students. However, if you have cold-like symptoms at any time, please contact the Health Administration Center and Student Affairs section and remain at home.
　The unique and diverse academic and research initiatives that Gifu University continues to advance are taught and supervised by our outstanding team of academic staff whose world-class achievements and contributions are well recognized in their respective global academic communities. Gifu University students can further their learning by taking advantage of various interdisciplinary courses offered by different faculties and schools, to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their goals. For example, on- and off-campus courses offered by Zenkyo General Education, or other diverse educational curricula offered by THERS, provide ample opportunities to gain wider academic and research perspectives. Gifu University's academic support and assistance does not end there. We continue to provide graduates with the support needed even after graduation, whichever career path they pursue, and whether they decide, as fully fledged members of society, to enter the workforce or seek an academic career as a researcher.
At Gifu University, approximately 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled annually, and a significant number of international students and researchers are studying and engaging in research activities on campus. To date, the university has 49 foreign partner universities and 59 faculty-level partnerships in countries ranging across Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania. Various faculties offer strong support to students who wish to study abroad whilst at university. In addition, Joint Degree Programs (four international master's and PhD programs) with the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and the National University of Malaysia were launched in April 2019 to accelerate the internationalization and enhancement of educational and research capabilities among the three universities. Today, our nation is at an important crossroads of urgently expanding our global reach, and to fulfill this crucial mission, robust interactive exchanges among students, scholars, and citizens are indispensable. We are hopeful that Gifu University students fully utilize our study abroad support programs to explore and experience the world.
　From today, you are a full member of the Gifu University community. Please consciously store the following advice in mind: your approach to learning will reflect the level of self-responsibility and self-determination that you assume in your life. Evaluate situations before initiating any action and never waver in your quest to attain the goals you set for yourself.
　Lastly, I would like to quote one famous passage from "Sange-gakushōshiki" written by Saichō⁶, a Japanese Buddhist monk credited with founding the Tendai school of Buddhism. Saichō noted: "The real treasure of the nation is the people who work for the details of even small, trivial matters in good faith and with great sincerity." Saichō underscored the importance of sincere and earnest efforts that we must make to shine at home and work. He preached that people who have great patience and a strong resolve to succeed under any given circumstances are irreplaceable treasures of the nation. Please listen to Saichō's powerful message that has resonated in the minds of many Japanese people for generations, and do your utmost to shine through whatever situations or difficulties you are in.
Let me close by wishing you a campus life of fulfillment in all respects: studying, training, making friends, discussing life, or seeking the truth. Take time out to explore and appreciate the beautiful natural surroundings on campus. We are eager to support you and guide you in realizing your hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Please work with us to make your university years the best. I welcome you all.
　

April 7, 2023
YOSHIDA Kazuhiro　President of Gifu University

1) Academic Central is one of the "Core Educational and Research Directives" of THERS.
2) English name tentative
3) English name tentative
4) Glycome is an entire complement of sugars-whether free or present in more complex molecules-of an organism.
5) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): a collection of 17 global goals designed to be a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future," established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly (UN-GA) and are intended to be achieved by 2030.
6) Saichō (September 15, 767 to June 26, 822) founded the temple and headquarters of Tendai at Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei near Kyoto. After his death, he was awarded the posthumous title, Dengyō Daishi.