From Director of RIGRe

From Director of RIGRe

As of November 1, 2023, the International Center for Research and Education on Mineral and Energy Resources (ICREMER) was renamed and became the Research Institute of Global Resource(RIGRe). The International Center for Research and Education on Mineral and Energy Resources (ICREMER) was established at Akita University in 2009. Although more than 10 years have already passed since ICREMER’s founding, I firmly believe that we still remain unwavering in upholding our principles and objectives of “building a global base for studies in the field of resource sciences while contributing to sustainable resource development and ensuring a stable supply of resources for our country.” On the other hand, we also recognize the need to learn more about natural resources and diversify a new structure of resource development necessary to implement "industry 4.0" and SDGs to realize a "Green Society."
Here at ICREMER, acting as the vanguard of resource science studies at Akita University, we have made advances in our projects to build and expand our network with resource-producing countries. We have carried out exchange activities with up to 24 universities in 20 different countries overseas. Through programs such as our Short Stay Program, we are continuing our international exchange with a large number young human resources, which must certainly be one of our greatest experiences and accomplishments. However, we have centered our efforts on resource production and development, and pursued global development using prior conventional resource science technology as a foundation. Now, more than ever, as we look ahead into the second half of the 21st century, I feel that there is a need to contribute to solving issues on a global scale, including but not limited to the aforementioned SDGs and carbon neutrality, and to renovate our approach to resource sciences by incorporating AI and data science.
In order to shift into a new phase from the type of "resource sciences" that Akita University has been offering for more than 100 years, the strategy, vision, and overall execution of RIGRe will be crucial. It is time to take on the challenge of creation and transformation from a new perspective, all while maintaining our characteristic efforts that have brought us this far. This initiative will require a collaboration of not only the members of RIGRe but also those in our network in order to lead and to drive the development of RIGRe, and to carry out the activities that will open up a new era of resource sciences.
Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Director of the RIGRe,
Prof. Atsushi SHIBAYAMA