Introduction

The International Platform for Dryland Research and Education (IPDRE) was established in January 2015 with the aim of advancing university-wide research and education focused on drylands and developing countries, and becoming one of Japan’s leading centers in this field.

IPDRE is dedicated to fostering truly interdisciplinary research and education by engaging faculty members from diverse academic fields across all faculties, as well as the Center for International Affairs and the Organization for Regional Industrial-Academic Cooperation at Tottori University. This initiative is grounded in the cutting-edge research infrastructure and scientific achievements of the university’s Arid Land Research Center, which has long led efforts in dryland studies, including the fight against global desertification.

Our Missions

• To foster an environment that promotes interdisciplinary research and education across all faculties, bringing together expertise from Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences. This effort is grounded in the scientific knowledge of dryland science, which is Tottori University’s unique strength, developed primarily by the Arid Land Research Center.
• To contribute to the sustainable development of Tottori, as well as drylands and developing regions around the world, by applying the university’s technical achievements in practice and strengthening collaboration with relevant international institutions.
• To enhance and expand the functions of the Arid Land Research Center.

Management Organization

• The Trustee (Planning and Coordination, Evaluation, Hamasaka Area) will serve as Executive Director, while the Director of the Arid Land Research Center will be appointed as Deputy Director of IPDRE. Together, they will promote partnerships across divisions, including the Arid land Research Center, all faculties, and the Center for International Affairs.
• Extramural experts and relevant stakeholders from Tottori University will be involved in the operation of IPDRE to ensure transparency and accountability to society.
• To fulfill its mission, three research projects and educational/training programs have been be established.

Figure of IPDRE Management Structure

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Operations

• To plan and implement research and educational activities, primarily focused on drylands and developing countries.
• To promote collaboration with domestic and international educational and research institutions, as well as private sector entities.
• To design and carry out international education and training programs.
• To conduct other essential operations necessary to achieve the goals of IPDRE.