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Since its founding in 2000, APU has practiced challenging and forward-thinking education and research as Japan’s first fully comprehensive multicultural university. Education and research are the twin pillars of the university. The two are deeply connected, each enhancing the other.
In the APU 2030 Vision, APU’s medium term plan for shaping the future direction of the university for 2030, APU declared its commitment to nurturing individuals who can change the world and building a world-renowned global learning community. To achieve this, a key feature of the action plan is to promote internationally recognized research that contributes to society and the community.
Under the Research Enhancement Plan (2025-2030), currently underway, the establishment of the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Integrated Research Organization (AIRO) forms one part of this initiative.
By enhancing the research capabilities that have been developed at APU, we will generate highly original insights and academic achievements, creating social impact for the global community, the local community, industry, and beyond.
As stated in the “Grand Design of Higher Education toward 2040” (Report by the Central Council for Education, November 2018), the mission of universities is to support society through a “common foundation of knowledge”. In order to achieve this mission, I, as the University President, intend to demonstrate leadership in the advancement of research at APU.
The Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Integrated Research Center (AIRO) has been established to advance APU’s research capabilities. Research at our university, which brings together researchers of diverse nationalities from around the world, is characterized by its wide-ranging research fields and themes. Ensuring no research area is overlooked, it is essential to invigorate research activities and enhance the overall caliber of research capabilities.
The newly established AIRO will serve as a comprehensive support platform for diverse research activities. It will provide opportunities for researchers to conduct research across college and center boundaries, support the cooperation of researchers domestically and internationally, and serve as a training ground for early-career researchers. Furthermore, to establish unique research areas, we plan to establish Research Hubs for Solving Societal Issues (temporary name), in addition to our current research centers to provide strategic and focused support (Scheduled in AY 2027).
AIRO will undertake the systematic promotion of research and provide comprehensive research support. It will also serve as a platform for recruiting and nurturing early-career researchers, such as graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and supporting outstanding external researchers, including faculty members employed through research funding. Through the acceptance of researchers and scholars with diverse backgrounds and positions, and the establishment of research agreements, AIRO will realize the advancement of APU's research.
Copyright (c) 2016 Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
