MEXT Vice Minister Visits Gifu University

On June 16, 2026, Mr. MASUKO Hiroshi, Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), visited Gifu University, where he toured the campus and held discussions with university officials.

On the day of the visit, after engaging in an exchange of views in the Office of the President regarding the university's initiatives, Mr. Masuko was invited to tour various research and educational facilities on campus.

During the discussion session, President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro and attending university officials explained Gifu University's management based on the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System's (THERS) vision, "Make New Standards for The Public," as well as the role Gifu University plays as a core regional institution. They also introduced initiatives aimed at advancing education and research through collaboration with Nagoya University (a partner university of THERS in Aichi Prefecture). Furthermore, in pursuit of realizing the "Fourth Generation University" model--which integrates research, education, and social implementation--the university officials outlined the university's plans for co-creative research with companies and local governments in addition to human resource development concept that views the entire Gifu Prefecture as a campus.

Regarding industry-academia collaboration, the university officials explained that Gifu University promotes the full cycle from research to social implementation through consortium-based joint research with companies, and that it places importance on collaboration with a wide range of partners, including local small and medium-sized enterprises.

Following the discussion, Mr. Masuko toured the Center for Advanced Smart Die Engineering Technology, Institute Glyco-core Research Gifu Research Building, and the Animal Medical Center affiliated with the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences. This campus tour helped Mr. Masuko gain a deeper understanding of the university's research and educational environment.

The visit and discussion provided Mr. Masuko with a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of the university's direction and initiatives. Gifu University will continue to aim to grow together with the community and create new value for society.