公開日 2026年06月03日
On Friday, May 29, 2026, H.E. Jean‑Eric Paquet, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, visited Shimane University together with three delegation members. The visit included a courtesy call on President Hiroki Otani and Vice President Yoshimi Kataoka(in charge of Globalization Promotion) and an exchange session with students. Ambassador Paquet has been visiting universities across Japan to promote deeper academic and research collaboration between Japan and the EU, as well as to encourage students to develop a global perspective. This visit marked his first trip to Shimane Prefecture.
During the courtesy call, President Otani welcomed the delegation and introduced the university’s achievements in educational and research exchanges with universities and research institutions in EU member states. Ambassador Paquet presented Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation funding program, and expressed his expectations for further strengthening researcher and student exchanges between Japan and the EU.
Four students—those with study‑abroad experience in the EU and those preparing for upcoming study programs—participated in the exchange session. They shared their motivations for studying abroad, experiences at their host countries, and personal growth through international learning. Ambassador Paquet listened attentively, asking each student about their academic interests and future career paths, and responded thoughtfully to their comments.
Courtesy visit and exchange session with President Otani and Ambassador Paquet
Ambassador Paquet
Ambassador Paquet and delegation with President Otani and other participants
Prior to the courtesy call, the delegation visited the Next‑Generation Tatara Co‑Creation Centre (NEXTA) and the Co-creation Research Institute(Incubation Center). Prof. Hideo Miura, Director of the Institute for Advanced Materials Research and Development, explained the purpose and facilities of each center. Ambassador Paquet showed deep interest in each explanation and asked detailed questions. The delegation also actively engaged with researchers, receiving briefings on ongoing projects and exchanging views with those involved.
Ambassador Paquet’s visit reaffirmed the important role our university plays as an educational and research institution responsible for fostering the next generation of global talent. It also served as a highly meaningful opportunity to further strengthen collaboration with universities and educational institutions across EU member states. For the students, the visit deepened their understanding of the EU and provided meaningful encouragement for their future academic pursuits and international challenges.
Visit to NEXTA and Incubation Center
