NIU established a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Azabu University during a visit Feb. 28 with university leaders and Azabu Deputy President Kensuke Taira.
Founded in 1890 and located in Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo, Japan, Azabu University is one of the oldest veterinary universities in Japan. The private university serves about 3,000 student and has departments of veterinary medicine, animal science, food science, life science and environmental science.
“These departments (are) tightly related in education and research under the concept of One Health,” Taira said. “We expect the MOU to establish a global One Health relationship.”
One Health is an approach that recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.
Many NIU administrators, faculty, staff and students had the opportunity to meet Deputy President Taira and share information about their programs and courses during his two-day visit. Tomoyuki Shibata, professor of public health in the College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS) facilitated the visit.
“Our conversations were exciting, focusing on potential opportunities that would benefit both Azabu University and NIU,” Shibata said. “Dr. Taira and I are committed to working together to develop strategies with our colleagues from each university.”
CHHS Dean Kelly Fiala said Shibata was integral in making the connection with Azabu.
“We are grateful for Dr. Shibata’s efforts in coordinating this visit,” Fiala said. “It was a beneficial experience for all involved and we look forward to continuing the conversations.”
Conversations include strategies that aim to enhance students’ academic success, foster international cultural competency, promote faculty research, and contribute to institutional growth.
“Azabu University and NIU have similar departments that promote education and research for One Health,” Taira said. “One Health is a world issue, (and) the MOU is strongly expected to develop education and research.”
Shibata said NIU is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Azabu.
“We sincerely thank Dr. Taira and members of Azabu University,” Shibata said. “We look forward to the possibility of meeting again soon in DeKalb or Japan.”
