On November 4, President NASU Yasutomo of Okayama University and Secretary of the Communist Party Committee Cheng Danhong of Shanghai University held a meeting in Shanghai.

Okayama University and Shanghai University signed a cooperation agreement in May of this year. The top meeting was realized as part of the "2nd Japan-China Medical Exchange Forum," which took place this time. Accompanying President Nasu from Okayama University were the Vice Executive Director for the New Medical Research Center, the Director of the Neutron Therapy Research Center and the Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences NARUSE Keiji, Vice Director of the Neutron Therapy Research Center MICHIUE Hiroyuki and Associate Professor Peng Huang.

Firstly, President Nasu introduced Okayama University, emphasizing the common challenges faced by Japan and China and the need to solve them through research, innovation, and the development of research and management personnel. He also expressed his commitment to the spirit of "FUEKI-RYUKO", which he has cherished since becoming president. Secretary Cheng expressed expectations for Okayama University and stated a desire to collaborate to ensure the happiness and future of those involved as both universities develop.

Okayama University has been strategically advancing activities as outlined in its Long-term Vision 2050, aiming to "collaborate to create the future of regions and the Earth and contribute to global innovation as a research university." The university actively collaborates with overseas universities and research institutions, including participating in the "ASEAN+3 University Network" with Chinese universities. The university will continue to promote collaboration with universities and research institutions both in Japan and abroad to realize its long-term vision.

This exchange of opinions was conducted thoroughly on research integrity, including the soundness and fairness of the current internationalization and openness in academia, as well as security perspectives. Building relationships based on research integrity, which includes clear communication and positive collaboration, is crucial when partnering with institutions like these. Specific projects in the future will be concluded through contracts that consider the regulations of both countries.

*FUEKI-RYUKO
FUEKI-RYUKO is a traditional soul of Haiku poem founded by Basho Matsuo. FUEKI is defined as things should not be changed (immutability) and RYUKO as things should be changed (fluidity). As FUEKI, Okayama University pursuit the sustainable Well-being of people who are involved with Okayama University and those who will be involved with Okayama University (multi-stakeholder). As RYUKO, Okayama University promotes innovative change in the organization, education and research systems that anticipate and lead national policies and regional aspirations, based on an understanding of social conditions in Japan and overseas.

*ASEAN+3 University Network
A consortium that includes 30 leading universities from ASEAN countries (part of the ASEAN University Network) and 21 universities from Japan, China, and South Korea. The Japanese member universities are Chiba University, Niigata University, Kanazawa University, Okayama University, Nagasaki University, Kumamoto University, along with Kyoto University, Keio University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Waseda University.