Courtesy Visit by Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH)
On February 10, 2025, Dr. Tarun Kanti Panda, Dean of International Relations and Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), along with Dr. Kyoko Nakano, an expert in higher education academic collaboration from the JICA Project Team for FRIENDSHIP 2, visited Kumamoto University. Representing Kumamoto University were Executive Vice President Tsuyoshi Usagawa, Vice President Mitsuyo Kishida, Professor Tomohiko Igasaki from the Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, and Associate Professor Rwitajit Majumdar from the Research and Education Institute for Semiconductors and Informatics (REISI).During the meeting, Dean Panda expressed his strong interest in strengthening collaboration with Kumamoto University beyond the current joint research projects. He emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation not only in research and education but also in broader areas such as entrepreneurship and cultural exchange-an aspiration shared by Kumamoto University. Kumamoto University representatives proposed several practical initiatives to enhance student and researcher exchanges, including applications for government scholarships, young scholar visiting programs, and opening online information sessions. Additionally, both institutions actively discussed the possibility of establishing a Double Degree Program as part of their long-term academic partnership.
Following the discussions, the delegation visited Professor Igasaki’s laboratory. As a key figure in the ongoing collaborative research between Kumamoto University and IITH, Professor Igasaki is currently hosting a student from IITH and is scheduled to welcome another next month. This visit further deepened mutual understanding and reinforced academic ties between the two institutions.
The Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology at Kumamoto University currently maintains an inter-departmental exchange agreement with IITH. Both institutions expressed a strong desire to upgrade this agreement to an inter-university exchange framework, thereby expanding cooperation across a wider range of academic disciplines.
This visit marks an important step toward strengthening the partnership between Kumamoto University and IITH, paving the way for further collaboration in research, education, and international exchange.
During the Discussion
Group Photo
Exchange of Souvenir with Executive Vice President Tsuyoshi Usagawa (Left: Dean Tarun Kanti Panda)
Exchange of Souvenir with Executive Vice President Tsuyoshi Usagawa (Left: Dr. Kyoko Nakano)
Lab Tour at Professor Tomohiko Igasaki’s Laboratory
Meeting with Executive Vice President Jun Otani