Global GatewaysInternational Consortia
At VISION 2030, Kyushu University is more than a roadmap—it’s a bold commitment to shaping a better world through the power of knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. By building strong international partnerships through global university consortiums, the university is creating a vibrant platform where early career researchers can grow, connect, and lead—across borders, disciplines, and generations.1. APRU (the Association of Pacific Rim Universities)
The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is a strategic alliance of leading universities across the Pacific Rim—including Asia, North America, Latin America, and Oceania. Established in 1997, APRU aims to strengthen cooperation among higher education institutions in the region. Today, it brings together approximately 60 member universities committed to academic excellence and global engagement.
Kyushu University joined APRU in March 2021, embracing its mission to address key societal challenges through research, education, and innovation. Through a wide range of initiatives—including presidential meetings, workshops, seminars, and virtual exchange programs—APRU fosters meaningful collaboration and empowers universities to make a positive impact across borders.
APRU Event
Virtual Student Exchange Program(VSE)
Kyushu University undergraduate students can participate in VSE Program, taking up to two courses per season (some restrictions may apply). If approved by your faculty, credits earned through these courses can be transferred and counted toward your degree at Kyushu University.
APRU VSE Academic Courses
Faculty members at Kyushu University are welcome to contribute to the VSE Program by offering academic courses. You can newly create a course specifically for the program, or open existing courses at the university to APRU students.
If you are interested in offering a course, please complete and submit the application form below. All course proposals will be reviewed and finalized through internal and external coordination.
Offering courses for APRU VSE（Kyushu U staff only）
2. MIRAI
Launched in 2017 following the Japan–Sweden University Presidents’ Summit in 2015, MIRAI promotes deeper academic collaboration between the two countries, with a strong focus on nurturing early career researchers, including PhD students.
Kyushu University has been an active member since the beginning, playing a key role in MIRAI’s development. Our Stockholm Liaison Office, established in 2020 as our European hub, serves as a local gateway to support joint activities in MIRAI.
In November 2022, Kyushu University hosted the MIRAI 2.0 Research and Innovation Week at Ito Campus, welcoming around 300 participants. In 2023, a 22-member delegation from the university took part in the R&I Week at Umeå University as well as hosted the public symposium MIRAI Open Day in central Stockholm. Since 2024, Kyushu University has served as the Japanese Coordinating University (term: 3 years).
MIRAI Event
MIRAI Member Universities (3rd phase)
7 Japanese Universities, 10 Swedish Universities
(*Coordinating Universities)
※As of January 1, 2024
Japan
*Kyushu University, Hiroshima University, Nagoya University, Sophia University, Waseda University, Tohoku University, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST)
Sweden
Uppsala University, Linköping University, University of Gothenburg, Umeå University*, Linnaeus University, Karlstad University, Örebro Universit, Jönköping University, Luleå University of Technology, Stockholm School of Economics
MIRAI is addressing scientific issues within:
- Challenge 1: Health and an ageing population (Part of SDG 3)
- Challenge 2: Climate adaption, disaster and risk management and prevention (Part of SDG 13)
- Challenge 3: Resilient cities and communities – policies, strategies, local government and urban planning (Part of SDG 11)
- Challenge 4: Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage: renewable energy, solar energy conversion, electrification, sustainable processes and use of resources (Part of SDG 7)
Activities
-MIRAI Project (2017-2019)- MIRAI Seminar (every year)
- Subject Scientific Committee (SSC) in the areas; Sustainability, Ageing, Material Science plus Innovation
- Networking opportunities for early career researchers and PhD. students (e.g. Workshop, PhD. short courses etc.) -MIRAI 2.0 (2020-2023)
- Expansion of research fields -added AI and Social Science
- Promotion of entrepreneurship, skill development and best practice among industry-academia-government
- Promoting early career researchers
- Enhancement of mid-career opportunities and promotion of long-term research collaboration between the two countries-enhancing collaborative research and co-authored papers
- Organizing events by bottom-up initiative from researchers
- Annual event (Research & Innovation Week, satellite event, seed-funding and more) -MIRAI 3rd phase (2024-2026)
- Research areas reorganized in 4 themes, in relation to SDGs
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-academia-government cooperation, utilizing track-records and the network
- Various prioritized initiatives for early career researchers
3. RENKEI – The Japan-UK Research and Education Network for Knowledge Economy Initiatives
Kyushu University has been an active member since the beginning, and has took part in a committee member for the Climate Change group as well as hosted an in-person workshop about the Climate Change/Energy in 2024.
RENKEI―Research and Education Network for Knowledge Economy Initiatives―is a strategic alliance between leading universities in Japan and the UK, established in 2012 with the British Council Japan serving as its secretariat. The network promotes international joint research and aims to address global challenges through collaboration with government and industry.
Currently in its third phase (2025–2030), RENKEI focuses on two critical themes: Climate Change and Health. Collaborative research projects are actively underway, alongside specialized programs for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to support the development of future global leaders.
Kyushu University has been a core member since the beginning. The university contributed as a committee member for the Climate Change working group, and hosted an in-person workshop on Climate Change/Energy in 2024, further strengthening international academic exchange.
RENKEI Event
External Funding
UK-Japan science and innovation funding opportunities
RENKEI Member Universities
5 Japanese Universities, 5 UK Universities
Japan
Kyushu University, Keio University, Sophia University, Tohoku University, Ritsumeikan University
UK
University of Southampton, Durham University, Newcastle University, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool