Professor Beverley Anne YAMAMOTO, Executive Vice President for International Affairs, led a university delegation on a visit to the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), on 1 February 2024. The purpose was to strengthen the existing academic ties and find ways for collaboration in research as well as faculty and student mobility between the two institutions. Professor YAMAMOTO had comprehensive discussions with Professor Joana Regulska, Vice Provost and Dean of Global Affairs, and Professor Michael Lazzara, Associate Vice Provost of Academic Programs and Partnerships. The meeting focused on enhancing global collaborations, expanding academic exchange programs, and fostering joint initiatives between Osaka University (OU) and UC Davis. The leaders expressed a shared commitment to promoting internationalization in education and research.

The delegation also toured the Energy and Efficiency Institute, followed by a short discussion with its Executive Director, Benjamin Finkelor, and the Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies, Professor Daniel Sperling. Discussions revolved around potential joint multi-stakeholder research projects, particularly in the fields of energy efficiency and sustainable transportation.

The visit included discussions with representatives of UC Davis Grand Challenges, exploring interdisciplinary research initiatives addressing global issues. The meeting aimed to identify opportunities for collaborative projects that align with the focus areas of research in both universities, followed by a discussion with Associate Professor Phillip Zerbe from the College of Biological Sciences to explore opportunities for faculty and student exchange and a meeting with Dr. Ana Cordova, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Research Funding, on strategic planning for interdisciplinary research projects and initiatives that could bridge the strengths of both universities.

The delegation also engaged with Professor Tonya Kuhl, Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Co-Director of the UC Davis Coffee Center, Nari Fujita, Director of Academic Preparation and Pathway Programs, Center for International Education (CIE), and Jake Hosier, Director of Access Programs, CIE. Discussions centered on innovative short-term exchange programs for OU students, emphasizing hands-on learning experiences and practical workshop sessions.

The visit was highly productive, and a number of key opportunities for a stronger and broader connection were identified. The discussions and shared visions laid the groundwork for a strengthened and dynamic partnership between the two institutions in the future.