About

Message from the General Manager

In November 2021, Kyushu University formulated “Kyushu University VISION 2030,” setting forth its vision of becoming “a university that drives social transformation through integrated knowledge.” To achieve this vision, the university established the “Integrated Initiative for Designing Future Society” in April 2022 to bring together diverse fields of knowledge—ranging from the natural sciences to the humanities, social sciences, arts, and engineering—and apply them to solving societal challenges and creating new social value.

The world today faces complex and interrelated social challenges, including climate change, resource and energy security, rapid advances in AI and digital technology, health and medicine, and food and the environment. In this era, universities are called upon to bring together diverse knowledge and talent and to pioneer the future of society through cutting-edge research and innovation.

To date, our headquarters has promoted research activities that transcend departmental boundaries, focusing on “decarbonization,” “medicine and health,” and “environment and food.” Moving forward, we will further develop this foundation of comprehensive knowledge and foster the formation of research clusters where outstanding research and diverse knowledge converge—including new priority areas—to cultivate new strengths for Kyushu University.

Furthermore, rather than confining the knowledge and research findings generated there to the university, we will deepen our collaboration with businesses, local governments, and universities and research institutions both in Japan and abroad to enhance our ability to apply and implement these findings in society. With Fukuoka and Kyushu as our base, we will draw on the diverse knowledge, talent, and vitality of Asia to create new value together through mutual enrichment, and we will share these achievements with the world.

We envision the society of the future and foster new research and talent to bring that vision to life. As a hub where diverse knowledge and people converge—and where Kyushu University’s new strengths are constantly being created—the Integrated Initiative for Designing Future Society will accelerate the societal implementation of research outcomes and the creation of innovation, thereby driving social transformation.


President of Kyushu University
Koichi Akashi

Deputy Director
Masaharu Shiratani
Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President
Director
Seiichi Kizuki
Visiting Professor

Organization Chart

Within the initiative, we have set up units for the three identified entry points and Think Tank Unit for designing our ideal future society. Each unit collaborates with existing research groups, internal research and education organizations, and the Data-Driven Innovation Initiative to form projects and groups that integrate the humanities and social sciences, the natural sciences, and other disciplines.

Organization Chart

Initiative Overview

MISSION

With integrative knowledge of Kyushu University fusing knowledge from the natural sciences to the humanities and social sciences and even design, we will design an ideal future society and pioneering the backcasting approaches to solve social challenges.

We will design an ideal future society and create processes that address various social issues by focusing on the three entry points initially to reach our ultimate goal under the Think Tank Unit's initiative.
We will enhance the research and educational environment in the areas of research related to three specific entry points.
We will categorize research groups to encourage researchers to establish new connection more easily.
We will also establish the opportunities for researchers to promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
We will work alongside carefully selected co-creation partners from stakeholders to foster strong partnerships with industry, academia, and government.

Establishing three entry points to lead the way in addressing social issues

Overview of promoting innovation by Kyushu University

Co-Creation Partners

In order to drive innovation, it’s essential to approach social issues by involving various stakeholders, including local residents and companies. Future Co-Creation Partners will be selected from the general public, government, business, and academia and include experts who can make proposals to government and implement policy, as well as people from organizations participating in our Regional Collaboration Platform. We will also provide opportunities to hear the opinions of diverse stakeholders and reflect their ideas in the university’s organized efforts to address social issues.