Professor FUJII Hikari, the Vice Dean of Akita University, visited the University of Santiago and the University of Chile: Towards Further Deepening of the International Collaboration

In late March 2026, FJII Hikari, a professor of Graduate School of International Resource Sciences as well as the Vice Dean of Akita University visited the University of Santiago and the University of Chile in South America with the aim of further developing international exchange. He received warm welcome at both institutions and had meaningful discussions toward future collaborations.

At University of Santiago, which has an Inter-University Agreement with Akita University, Professor FUJII confirmed further collaborations between the two universities, for both education and research with building on the existing partnership with Rene Garrido, the Director of The International Relations Team. In particular, there was active discussions over promotion of student exchange, and it was informed that students who study Japanese regularly study abroad at Akita University.

In addition, with a view toward concluding a future agreement with University of Chile, which he visited for the first time, discussions were held with the Dean Francisco Martinez and others on the potential for collaboration by leveraging the respective strengths of both institutions (such as geology and mining engineering). Professor FUJII also delivered a lecture at a symposium on the theme of geothermal energy.

Through this visit, a significant step was taken both in strengthening collaboration and in building new partnerships. The Graduate School of International Resource Sciences will continue to work toward further enhancing international exchange.