Message

President

Okayama University　15th President of the University

 

The Okayama University Technical Support Department was newly established in the 2023 academic year by strategically centralizing technical staff, who had previously worked separately in different departments, into a unified organization across the university. In addition, new regulations and professional ranks have been introduced.

The environment surrounding technical staff at national university corporations is undergoing rapid changes, partly due to the significant waves of university reforms in recent years. When I assumed the position of president, I emphasized the concept of “Unchanging Yet Ever-Evolving.” The swift and dramatic changes we are currently witnessing can be likened to this wave of “evolution.” Technical staff are now expected to quickly sense shifts in the times, envision the future they aspire to, and continuously adapt to the present. Since the establishment of the Technical Support Department, technical staff themselves have been actively thinking, acting, and driving changes in various areas. As president, I am committed, together with the executive team, to managing these changes swiftly and ensuring we do not fall behind, or even better, that we are able to create new waves of progress.

Furthermore, regarding the “unchanging” aspects, the continuous enhancement of technical staff’s specialized skills and management abilities is essential. It is crucial for technical staff not only to refine their traditional expertise honed in individual departments, but also to apply their capabilities across fields, such as in shared equipment facilities (core facilities) and in startup ventures. These aspects are foundational to Okayama University as a regional hub and distinguished research university, and they are also strongly demanded in promoting societal transformation. Moving forward, I will ensure the further strengthening of the Technical Support Department.
We look forward to the future endeavors of the Okayama University Technical Support Department.

Director-General

Director-General of Department of Comprehensive Technical Solutions
(Vice President for Research and Industry-Academia Co-Creation, Vice President for Academic Affairs)

 

The Okayama University Technical Support Department is an organization of over 80 technical staff who possess high technical expertise and are strategically deployed across the entire university, a regional hub and distinguished research institution. In addition to supporting research activities from a technological standpoint as partners to researchers, they actively contribute to educational activities both within and outside the university, leveraging their advanced specialized skills.

Amid ongoing university reforms, it is essential not only to focus on the transformation of Okayama University itself but also to drive societal change. The roles of researchers in generating research and innovation, educators in fostering talent, and technical staff involved in both areas will become increasingly critical in the future. The Okayama University Technical Support Department will strengthen the organization to proactively act ahead of societal and policy trends.

Moreover, it is vital to envision the “new role of technical staff.” For example, the national government has recognized technical positions as potential career paths for those with Dr./Ph.D degrees. At Okayama University, we are not only embracing these trends but also actively developing a new vision of technical staff unique to Okayama University. This includes technical project managers who can lead research and development, technology management personnel who can support technology-based startups and ventures, and medical-engineering technical staff equipped with the expertise of Okayama University Hospital, renowned for its cutting-edge medical research and development. We are energetically advancing organizational reform and talent development to realize this vision.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support and cooperation in the efforts and activities of the Okayama University Technical Support Department.