International Platform for Dryland Research and Education holds a public symposium

A public symposium of International Platform for Dryland Research and Education (“IPDRE”) was held on January 23rd under the title of “Take a Step Forward! – To the international scenes waiting for you.” The purpose of this symposium was to share real experiences of experts who work internationally. Director Mitsunari Yoshida (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology [MEXT], Higher Education Bureau, National University Corporation Support Division) made the opening guest speech. Dir. Yoshida stated that the MEXT including himself is very interested in and anticipating the growth of Tottori University as a leading research institution in the field of arid land science, the strength of Tottori University.

Three experts from medical, agricultural and educational fields shared their experiences of working in and contributing to the international society. Audience was carefully listening to all 3 lectures: Delivered by Dr. Daiki Murakami from Doctors without Border (medical), Vice President Kunio Takami from Green Earth Network (agriculture), and Specially-appointed Director Yu Iwamoto from Education Development Project of Shimane Prefecture (education).
Following the lectures, Tottori University International Program students and lecturers had a panel discussion on “communication beyond languages and cultures.” They passionately discussed the difficulties of fitting into the foreign communities in the presence of language/cultural barriers and the importance of talking the first step forward to make a breakthrough.

Despite the harsh weather, we had about 100 participants at the symposium including ones from other prefectures, students and teachers. The symposium was a great opportunity for IPDRE to publicize its presence and activities while providing an opportunity for the audience to consider their first step to the international scene.

It should be noted that everything we do at IPDRE is made possible by special grants and support provided by the MEXT who recognized the importance of reformation initiative focusing on arid land science which aims to promote the enhancement of university function. Dir. Yoshida visited the facilities of Arid Land Research Center and exchanged opinions with our researchers with strong interest in what we do at Tottori University.

Dir. Yoshida delivering the opening guest speech.

Mr. Iwamoto delivering a lecture

Panel discussion with the students

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