Gifu University Holds the 77th Anniversary Commemorative Event
Gifu University held its 77th Anniversary Commemorative Event online on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
On the day of the event, in light of an approaching typhoon, the event format was changed to online to prioritize the safety of participants. Fortunately, Gifu University sustained no major damage and was able to celebrate its 77th anniversary safely.
In the President's report, the current status of Gifu University and the future direction of university reform were presented. In particular, explanations were given on the "university, committing to social implementation through co-creation" concept, which aims to solve social issues by leveraging the university's research strengths, and the "Gifu Prefecture Marutto Campus" initiative which seeks to expand university functions across the entire prefecture. Through these initiatives, a vision was shared of the university contributing to regional revitalization as a core regional university, collaborating with local governments, industry, and other universities.
This was followed by reports from the deans and other representatives, who explained the current status and challenges of education and research in their respective faculties, as well as their visions for the future. Alongside initiatives that make use of each faculty's unique characteristics, a shared direction for the development of the university as a whole was presented.
After the ceremony, "The 58th Gifu University Forum" was held, featuring keynote lectures under the theme "Aiming for Space from Gifu." The speakers included Dr. KOMURASAKI Kimiya, President of the Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences and Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, as well as Dr. MIYASAKA Takeshi, Director of the Center for Space and Utilization Promotion affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering at Gifu University.
Dr. Komurasaki explained the latest trends in space development, including the construction of lunar bases and the utilization of lunar resources. He also introduced the idea that the use of lunar resources could become an important step toward Mars exploration and contribute to improving the efficiency of space transportation.
Dr. Miyasaka introduced initiatives for cultivating human resources in space engineering in Gifu, including the "Space Engineering Course" conducted in collaboration with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the ultra-small satellite "Raicho," developed together with high school students and others. The satellite was deployed from the International Space Station in September 2025 and has since successfully communicated with ground stations. During his lecture, he also discussed challenges in the development process, multiple rounds of testing and evaluation, and future prospects for the next project.
This commemorative event provided an opportunity to reflect on the university's history while taking a new step toward the future. Gifu University will continue to promote education and research activities aimed at realizing a sustainable society and strive for further growth as a core regional university that develops together with the local community.
A video of the forum is available via the [Related Link], so please feel free to watch.
Gifu University 77th Anniversary Commemorative Event
Date and Time: 14:00-17:00, Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Part 1
○ President's Report
○ Reports from Deans and Others
Part 2
○ The 58th Gifu University Forum: Keynote Lectures "Aiming for Space from Gifu"
"Global Trends in Space Exploration and Lunar Resource Development"
Speaker: Dr. KOMURASAKI Kimiya (President, JSASS; Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)
"Human Resource Development in Space Engineering in Gifu"
Speaker: Dr. MIYASAKA Takeshi (Director of the Center for Space and Utilization Promotion, Professor, Faculty of Engineering)
