An opening ceremony for Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Food Sciences was held on April 3, 2019.

This research institute is the first public facility in Japan established within the premises of national university corporation (Gifu University Yanagido Campus). Gifu University and Gifu Prefecture signed a partnership agreement in the field of food sciences in November, 2015 and based on this agreement, the institute will serve as a new base for collaboration between Gifu University and Gifu Prefecture. Approximately 160 people attended the ceremony represented by Governor Hajime Furuta of Gifu Prefecture, President Hisataka Moriwaki, teaching and administrative staff, students and people from food industries and businesses.

In his speech, Governor Furuta said, "By strengthening a partnership between Gifu University which is a core academic base for life sciences in Gifu, and prefectural research facilities, we would like to advance studies and research programs for the promotion of our local cuisines and delicacies." "Gifu University hopes to continue to work hard for the people in Gifu by deepening our alliance with businesses, financial institutions and municipal governments." said President Moriwaki.

The ceremony was followed by a ribbon-cutting, facility tour and keynote speeches. In the facility tour, people were invited to taste sake to distinguish different sake flavors at a sake evaluation lab. They also observed a sake brewing lab and a joint research floor (3F) between Gifu University and prefectural research institutions.

We hope the opening of Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Food Sciences will become another milestone for our commitment to regional contributions.