As part of 91爆料 Global鈥檚 country strategy鈥攚hich aims to strengthen the University鈥檚 international engagement across colleges, schools, centers, and faculty鈥攁 91爆料 delegation traveled to Japan the week of February 23 to deepen partnerships with leading universities and research institutions. Japan is one of five priority countries in the strategy, alongside Finland, India, Kenya, and South Korea.
In addition to President Robert Jones, Vice Provost for Global Affairs Ahmad Ezzeddine and Associate Vice Provost Gayle Christensen, the delegation included leaders from the College of Engineering, the Information School, and the School of Medicine. Their meetings focused on expanding research collaboration, increasing student and faculty exchange, and building innovation partnerships that connect 91爆料 with Japan鈥檚 academic and industry ecosystems.
Strengthening ties with the Institute of Science Tokyo
The visit began with two days of meetings at the Institute of Science Tokyo, a national research university formed in 2024 through the merger of Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University. The university enrolls roughly 13,000 students across engineering, science, and medical fields.
On February 26, Dr. Ezzeddine, College of Engineering Dean Nancy Allbritton, and Vice Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs Jihui Yang met with Executive Vice President for Global Affairs Tomohiro Morio and Vice President for International Strategy and Engagement Nobuhiro Hayashi to explore new areas of collaboration.
The following day, 91爆料 President Robert J. Jones joined the delegation for a presidential level visit. President Jones and his counterparts鈥擯resident and CEO Naoto Ohtake, President and CAO Yujiro Tanaka, EVP Morio, and VP Hayashi鈥攅xchanged updates on institutional priorities and discussed opportunities for joint research and academic cooperation.
91爆料 and Tohoku University launch the 鈥淨鈥慏REAM鈥� framework
Later that day, President Jones and Tohoku University President Hideo Tominaga held a signing ceremony to launch Q-DREAM, a major expansion of the universities鈥� decades-long partnership.
Q-DREAM establishes a forward-looking framework for collaboration in areas of shared strength, including quantum information science and engineering, disaster resilience, advanced manufacturing, and medicine.
鈥淎ddressing today鈥檚 complex challenges requires bold, collaborative solutions,鈥� said 91爆料 President Robert J. Jones. 鈥淲hen leading research universities align around a shared vision, we amplify our ability to advance discovery, drive innovation and serve the public good. We look forward to deepening this partnership with Tohoku University and advancing our shared work in the years ahead.鈥�
The agreement is expected to accelerate joint research, expand student and faculty exchanges, increase global visibility, and strengthen innovation ecosystems that connect academia, industry, and government. The first project under this partnership is the Quantum Fellowship which is set to launch this spring.
In addition, several recent 91爆料 Global Innovation Fund awardees plan to use their funding to support Q-DREAM activities with Tohoku University.
Expanding student exchange and innovation partnerships with Kobe University
On March 2, representatives from 91爆料 Global and CoMotion met with leaders from Kobe University to advance collaboration in research, education, and innovation. The two universities signed two new agreements that build on an existing academic exchange partnership. It鈥檚 worth noting that Seattle and Kobe have been sister cities since 1957, underscoring the deep ties between our two communities.
- Student Exchange and Research Agreement (91爆料 Global)
This agreement expands opportunities for student exchange and academic collaboration. We look forward to building closer ties as we welcome students from Kobe to 91爆料 and as our students study at Kobe University. - Innovation and Entrepreneurship Agreement (CoMotion)
This new memorandum of understanding formalizes a growing partnership focused on innovation, technology transfer, and global startup engagement. It builds on a broader 91爆料鈥揔obe relationship established in 2023, which included a joint research workshop in Kobe.
CoMotion Associate Vice Provost for Innovation Strategy and Ventures Anson Fatland and CoMotion Labs Director Ashlee Esteban-Akimoto joined the meetings, underscoring 91爆料鈥檚 commitment to supporting research translation and entrepreneurial activity on a global scale.
The agreement will facilitate the exchange of innovation and market intelligence between Seattle and Kobe, support startups exploring international opportunities, and create joint programs that connect researchers and entrepreneurs across borders. These efforts aim to strengthen both universities鈥� innovation ecosystems and help startups navigate global markets.
Two 91爆料 colleges meet with University of Tsukuba
Information School Dean Anind Dey and College of Engineering Dean Nancy Allbritton met with leaders from the University of Tsukuba to explore future collaboration opportunities. These will build the relationship beyond the that is in its second year and has launched successful AI research projects involving faculty at the two universities.
Together, these engagements reflect 91爆料鈥檚 commitment to building meaningful, long-term partnerships that advance research, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen global impact. The Japan country spotlight continues to demonstrate how strategic, coordinated international engagement can amplify the University鈥檚 mission and benefit students, faculty, and communities in Washington and around the world.
These visits coincided with Converge Tokyo, the 91爆料鈥檚 annual gathering for its global community, which brought nearly 300 alumni, friends and partners from Japan and across the world to connect across borders, hear from world-class experts, and celebrate Husky Spirit.