2026.10.08
On October 8, 2026, a delegation from the University of São Paulo (USP), led by Rector Aluísio Augusto Cotrim Segurado, visited University of Tsukuba to discuss further cooperation in research and education.
The delegation also included Professor Juliana de Moraes Leme Basso, Associate Director for Academic Cooperation at USP’s International Office, and Ms. Valéria de Vilhena Lombardi, a librarian at USP’s Faculty of Medicine. In addition to discussions between the two universities, the visit included tours of the campus, University Hospital, and research facilities.
Vice President for Global Affairs OHNEDA Osamu and Associate Professor FUKUSHIGE Mizuho, who is responsible for engagement with Latin America, introduced the University’s research strengths, international education initiatives, and collaboration with Tsukuba Science City. Arvin Valderrama, a specialist staff member in the Office of Global Initiatives and CiC Coordinator, presented the Campus-in-Campus (CiC) initiative and efforts to promote research exchanges through seed funding.
The delegation then paid a courtesy visit to President NAGATA Kyosuke. During the meeting, Rector Segurado emphasized that internationalization is essential to enabling students to address global challenges and described University of Tsukuba as an important strategic partner for USP. The two universities exchanged views on expanding joint research and student and researcher exchanges. They also discussed securing research funding and developing specific collaborations that draw on their respective strengths, particularly in agriculture and artificial intelligence.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to HIRAMATSU Yuji, Director of University of Tsukuba Hospital, and received an overview of the University’s medical programs and research activities. A subsequent tour of the rehabilitation department provided an opportunity to learn about advanced approaches combining robotics and medical care, including the use of the robotic suit HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) to support patients’ functional recovery.
The delegation then visited the International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), where Director YANAGISAWA Masashi and Administrative Director MOCHIZUKI Takatoshi introduced the institute’s research and facilities. Discussions explored opportunities for future cooperation through CiC, external research funding, and industry-academia collaboration.
The two universities reaffirmed their intention to further develop research and educational exchanges and strengthen a sustained and substantive partnership.
