Towards the Future of Research Universities: "Elevating Each Other Without Isolation"
—A New Form of J-PEAKS Collaboration Based on the Model of Tokushima University x Chiba University—
On June 19th, 2026, the inaugural "Tokushima University x Chiba University J-PEAKS Collaborative Symposium" was held at the Biohealth Open Innovation Hub (BIH) on Chiba University's Kashiwa-no-ha Campus.
Following their selection for the "Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities" (J-PEAKS), of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Tokushima University and Chiba University concluded a partnership agreement this past March. Transcending regional and disciplinary boundaries, the two universities are working to build a new model of research university collaboration—one where they share not only their strengths but also their challenges, striving to elevate one another rather than operating in isolation.
This symposium drew a total of 171 participants—107 in person and 64 online—and served as an opportunity for the university presidents, liaisons, URAs (University Research Administrators), and administrative staff to share past initiatives and future prospects with the audience through a "cross-talk" format, each speaking from their respective perspectives.
View of the venue Symposium posters
■ Background of the Partnership: Driving Change from the Ground Up, Beyond University Boundaries
A distinctive feature of this partnership is that it goes beyond mere academic collaboration or agreements between university leadership; instead, it seeks to drive change from the bottom up—specifically within the realms of research support and university administration—through interaction and collaboration among operational staff, including URAs and administrative personnel.
At the start of the symposium, President Yokote Koutaro of Chiba University delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of inter-university collaboration that transcends regional and disciplinary boundaries amidst the rapidly changing landscape surrounding research universities.
President Yokote of Chiba University
Following this, Mr. Saijo Masaaki of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology delivered a guest address, marking the commencement of Part 1.
■ Part 1: Dialogue between Universities Presidents and Liaisons
In the first half of Part 1, President Yokote Koutaro of Chiba University and President Kawamura Yasuhiko of Tokushima University explained their respective universities' goals for the J-PEAKS initiative and the measures being taken to achieve them.
President Kawamura of Tokushima University
The second half featured a dialogue session titled "Discussing the Future of Research Universities: The Intersection of Vision and Practice." Participants included the two presidents and the liaisons responsible for the practical implementation of the J-PEAKS partnership: Professor Nakajima Hiroshi of Chiba University and Professor Yasutomo Koji of Tokushima University. The discussion covered three key perspectives: "Societal transformation in 2040 and the role of research universities," "Roadmaps to 2040 and concrete strategies for research universities," and "The current status and future outlook of J-PEAKS initiatives." The participants exchanged views on how both universities could leverage their unique characteristics and strengths to enhance research capabilities and drive university reform. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of collaboration—sharing knowledge and experience—rather than mere competition between universities.
(from the left) Prof. Nakajima of Chiba Univ.; President Yokote of Chiba Univ.; President Kawamura of Tokushima Univ.; Prof. Yasutomo of Tokushima Univ.
(from the left) Mr. Yamamoto, Special Advisor to the President of Chiba Univ. (Facilitator); Prof. Nakajima of Chiba Univ.; President Yokote of Chiba Univ.; President Kawamura of Tokushima Univ.; Prof. Yasutomo of Tokushima Univ.
■ Part 2: Cross-talk Session Featuring URAs and Administrative Staff
In Part 2, URAs and administrative staff took the lead in a cross-talk session centered on the theme: "How to Drive a Research University: Practical Approaches to R&D Management."
● The Collaboration Process: Avoiding a Hollow Partnership — When the collaboration first began, the core members shared a firm resolve to build a substantive relationship rather than a merely superficial one. They recognized the importance of undertaking initiatives with a clear mission—such as hosting symposia and establishing joint research projects—and this symposium stands as a tangible result of that strong commitment.
Speakers also candidly discussed their initial concerns regarding the scope of information sharing. They revealed that the hurdles to sharing information and collaborating were actually lower than anticipated; in fact, the process yielded numerous benefits, including fresh insights and solutions born from the shared understanding of challenges.
Highlights of the cross-talk session in Part 2
● New interactions fostered by J-PEAKS site visits: One of the distinctive features of the J-PEAKS is a system that allows representatives from other universities to participate in the site visits conducted by individual universities. It was highlighted that these opportunities are deepening inter-university exchange and increasing chances to learn from the progress and initiatives of other institutions.
● Collaboration between URAs and Administrative Staff—Transcending the Traditional Role of Administrative Staff: While the nature of the relationship and the scope of duties differed between the two universities, there was a shared recognition of the importance of seamless collaboration between URAs and administrative staff. URAs, in particular, expressed their appreciation for the support provided by administrative staff who stepped in to assist with URA-related tasks, while administrative staff shared their sentiments—describing the work as challenging yet enjoyable and fulfilling, and noting that they were able to work without being confined by the traditional framework of an administrative role.
Laughter and questions occasionally arose from the audience, offering a glimpse of how deeply the participants resonated with the discussion. Mr. Saijo also offered passionate remarks, making it a session that was truly hard to bring to a close.
(from the left) URA Matsubara (Facilitator) of Chiba Univ.; Specialist Sakata of Chiba Univ.; URA Takahashi of Chiba Univ.;
Executive Director Haneishi of Chiba Univ.; Executive Director Matsuki of Tokushima Univ.;
URA Inuki of Tokushima Univ.; Vice Manager Ikeda of Tokushima Univ.
■ Building a Relationship for Mutual Growth
Following comments from J-PEAKS Lead Supporter Hamaguchi Michinari, Mr. Matsuki Hitoshi—Executive Director and Vice President (Research) of Tokushima University—delivered closing remarks. He expressed his anticipation for the continued evolution of the partnership through the sharing of respective strengths and weaknesses, as well as for a reunion at the second symposium scheduled to be held in Tokushima in November 2026. The event concluded on a high note, filled with enthusiasm and success.
Executive Director Matsuki of Tokushima University
This symposium served as a valuable opportunity to consider how research universities envision the future and how they can realize that vision through collaboration and partnership with other institutions. We will continue our efforts to demonstrate new possibilities for the future of Japanese research universities by advancing a novel model—Tokushima University x Chiba University Model—in which research universities generate value not merely through competition, but through "co-creation."
Group photo
