Okayama University of Science(OUS) President's Message

At Okayama University of Science, our commitment to nurturing individuals who can make meaningful contributions to society has been central to our mission from the very beginning, as articulated by our founder, Tsutomu Kake. His vision is to draw out the maximum potential of each young person, shaping them into professionals and citizens capable of making a positive impact.

In alignment with this founding principle, we've set forth the "OUS Vision 2026" as a framework to foster personal growth among our students. This vision encompasses seven key pillars emphasizing education, student support, research, and social contribution. However, for us to realize this vision, it is paramount that we become a responsible institution of higher education, a choice embraced by students, the local community, and society at large. To become the university of choice for students, we must enhance the quality of education by adopting student-centered practices, enabling students to reflect on their learning, set new goals, and understand the broader societal significance of their education. To be the preferred university for the local community, we must cultivate talents that actively engage with the local region, aligning learning with the community's needs and contributing to developing and preserving local culture and history. As the university of choice for society, we must refine and enhance our already distinctive and appealing research brand.

Additionally, we must consistently uncover and cultivate new knowledge, transforming it into innovative brands. Through practical implementation, our goal is to make meaningful contributions to society. Especially nowadays, society is turning to higher education institutions, expecting them to address specific challenges associated with keywords like SDGs, Society 5.0, and carbon neutrality.

Our university has been actively working to build an educational structure that meets the needs of society. This spring, in line with addressing challenges associated with life and biology, such as hunger, health, and welfare under the SDGs, and challenges related to information science, such as big data and data science under Society 5.0, we introduced the new faculties: the Faculty of Life Science and the Faculty of Information Science and Engineering. We've also introduced the Active Learners Course, allowing students to tailor their learning experiences and promoting interdisciplinary learning across faculties after enrollment. These additions to our academic offerings have enriched our educational environment, providing diverse learning opportunities.

As a unique private university chosen by students, the community, and society, we are committed to continuing our pursuit of education and research that celebrates diversity and creativity. Our goal is to be a hub for talent development, capable of adapting to the complexities of societal change, and a center for creating knowledge and technology that actively contributes to resolving societal issues. All of this is grounded in our founding principles and the OUS vision.