JoinTECH-Seminar 2025 was held
On November 18 and 19, 2025, we held JoinTECH-Seminar 2025, titled “TECH LEADERs Ready for a Complex World.” This seminar was organized to share the first-year outcomes of the Japan–EU educational collaboration program, “JoinTECH Laboratories for Smart Materials Leader Development,” which was selected for MEXT’s Inter-University Exchange Project, and to explore future directions for the initiative.
The seminar opened with remarks by the President of KIT and a welcome address from Mr. SATO Kuniaki, Director of the International Affairs Division, Higher Education Bureau, MEXT. Prof. Lieva Van Langenhove of Ghent University, Belgium, then delivered a keynote lecture based on her extensive experience leading the Japan–EU collaborative master’s program WE-TEAM, in which KIT also participates. Drawing on her extensive experience, she spoke about the significance of Japan–EU joint education programs and key insights for overcoming operational challenges.
During the two-day JoinTECH Laboratory Presentations, Japanese and European students who participated in the program and conducted research at partner universities gave presentations in English on their research outcomes. Each presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session. The poster sessions showcasing research results and students’ experiences abroad also attracted strong interest from participants and served as a valuable opportunity to disseminate the achievements of the program’s first year.
Introducing partner universities
at the on-site European Study Abroad Fair corner
At the poster sessions
where students presented their research outcomes
Japanese and European students engaging
in discussion during the poster presentations
Students sharing their experiences during
the JoinTECH Laboratory presentation
The seminar concluded with a panel discussion, held under the theme of the seminar’s subtitle, “JoinTECH Laboratories and the Power of Borderless Innovation.” Prof. Rémi Dussart from the University of Orléans, France, and faculty members from KIT engaged in an active and insightful discussion on the qualities required of future TECH LEADERs and the role of international collaborative education in cultivating such talent.
President Yoshimoto speaking during
the panel discussion
Panelists during the discussion
(From left: Prof. Rémi Dussart, University of Orléans,
Prof. Kazuo Takahashi and Assoc. Prof. Marin Elia
from KIT)
With a total of 164 participants, the seminar successfully facilitated exchanges that transcended laboratory boundaries and further expanded the possibilities for future international collaboration. The JoinTECH Laboratory Program will continue to promote global collaboration in both education and research as we work to cultivate the next generation of TECH LEADERs.
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