My name is Takashi Wada, and I am honored to have been appointed today as President of Kanazawa University.
Kanazawa University has advanced greatly, with the history built up by our predecessors over many years as its foundation. Based on the philosophy stated in the Charter of Kanazawa University of being “a research university dedicated to education, while opening up its doors to both local and global society,” I will do all in my power to make this university a premier institution of learning with greater vitality.
My vision for the future of Kanazawa University is a university that will produce "Kanazawa University brand personnel" who will become core leaders in the international community, promote original world-class research, create a world-class research center, and create a virtuous cycle of people, knowledge, and society by promoting various reforms. In particular, we believe that people are the most important factor. Students, faculty and staff are the assets and treasures of Kanazawa University. We want to be "Kanazawa University where students, faculty and staff have pride and attachment, and where people shine.
The fourth mid-term goal and mid-term plan period began in 2022. The preamble to the mid-term goal presented to Kanazawa University by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology states that we are a "world-class comprehensive university located in a core city in the Hokuriku region." In this context, the basic goals of the corporation are to form a Kanazawa University-class academic base, build and develop an innovation ecosystem, and cultivate globally active human resources and "knowledge professionals" who contribute to regional revitalization. Under the guidance of former President Yamazaki, reforms based on the YAMAZAKI Plan have come to fruition and achieved remarkable results. With the start of the new fiscal year, we are preparing President Plan (tentative name) together with the newly established Reform Strategy Office. There are three major pillars here. That is, a one-stop education and support system centered on the "Interfaculty Institute for Future Education," the promotion of basic and interdisciplinary research centered on the "Interfaculty Institute for Frontier Science" and the construction of a research demonstration-type campus, and the promotion of management reform and social co-creation. In particular, we are strengthening the functions of education and research in an integrated manner, aiming for the "Kanazawa Model" of university reform and human resource development. We will continue to forge ahead with high aspirations at Kanazawa University, renewing our determination and resolve to take on the challenge of making even greater strides.
In education, I want us to be a university that emphasizes education to develop and produce core leaders in the international community through the reform and strengthening of our educational capabilities. It is our people who will promote Kanazawa University’s contributions to society. I hope to develop human resources who have the aspirations and courage to overcome barriers and the human power to lead society as it should be.
In research, I want us to be a research university of high global reputation that will establish global research bases with world-class research capabilities at its core. Based on the strengthening of our outstanding, world-class research capabilities and the development of distinctive research, we will promote the establishment of a research university and research bases that will attract researchers from all over the world. Education and research are closely connected. I want us to be a “research university that emphasizes education” in which superior education and research capabilities benefit each other in a positive loop.
In co-creation with society, empathizing with the ideals of the SDGs, we will contribute to regional revitalization for the realization of a sustainable society with a knowledge-intensive society at its core. Internationally as well, we will develop core leaders of the international community based on the Kanazawa University “Global” Standard (KUGS). We want to contribute to the advancement of the international community as a hub for international innovation that forms a positive growth cycle of people, knowledge, and society. In terms of management, it is important to further strengthen our strategic and organizational administrative systems and build a sound, autonomous management foundation.
When undertaking essential reforms and setting challenging goals, the sharing of the philosophy behind them is crucial. The key will be whether we are able to become a good team with an all-Kanazawa University approach. The further advancement of Kanazawa University demands that faculty and staff work together to deepen dialogue while moving in the same direction. We will conduct the verification of issues through forecasting and backcasting at the appropriate times and execute the necessary reforms with a sense of speed. To that end, I hope that faculty and staff will consider what they should and are able to do from their respective positions and to take proactive action. Each and every one of those faculty and staff is a representative of Kanazawa University.
The world is currently facing a variety of challenges, including the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011 and the subsequent nuclear power plant accident, repeated natural disasters such as wind and flood damage, and the spread of a new type of coronavirus infection that has spread worldwide over the past two years. In addition, Russia has begun its invasion of Ukraine. The position of Kanazawa University on this is as shown in the March 17 web message of Yamazaki President. In addition to the three global challenges of natural disasters, infectious diseases, and man-made disasters, Japan also faces unique challenges such as the declining birthrate and aging population, resources, and energy. I believe that we can contribute to the resolution of these issues through the comprehensive science and wisdom of our universities.
Last but not least, I am determined to work for the further development of Kanazawa University with a strong sense of publicity, enthusiasm, and unyielding determination toward the realization of the future vision of Kanazawa University and the resolution of global issues as I have just described. Here again, I would like to emphasize the importance of students, faculty and staff as assets and treasures, and the importance of faculty and staff working together for development. I believe that we must seek and solve future issues with high aspirations, and this is how we will create the Future-oriented Intelligence of the world. We will aim for a vibrant "Kanazawa University that contributes to society by creating a global Future-oriented Intelligence" through the collaboration of faculty and staff at all Kanazawa University. I sincerely ask for your understanding and cooperation in my inaugural address.
April 1, 2022
Takashi Wada, President of Kanazawa University
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