Amid rapid globalization, which renders national borders less and less relevant, our society is facing difficult challenges for which solutions cannot be easily found, such as frequent natural disasters, the widening gap between the rich and poor within, and between nations, unending regional conflicts, and terrorism. Finding solutions to these problems is complex because society, nature and technology are all intricately linked. Specialists from a single, fragmented discipline are not sufficient to take up the challenge. People able to approach a task from a holistic, interdisciplinary perspective are what we need now.

Having risen from the ravages of the atomic bombing, and continuing with its founding principle of “a single unified university, free and pursuing peace,” Hiroshima University has pursued its mission as a national university in line with its five guiding principles: (1) the pursuit of peace, (2) the creation of new forms of knowledge, (3) the nurturing of well-rounded human beings, (4) collaboration with the local, regional and international communities, and (5) continuous self-development. In this same spirit, and by upholding the same guiding principles, we have launched our initiative to develop global and interdisciplinary human resources.

Hiroshima University is home to two graduate programs adopted as Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Programs for Leading Graduate Schools: the Phoenix Leader Education Program (Hiroshima Initiative) for Renaissance from Radiation Disaster (adopted in academic year 2011), and the TAOYAKA Program for creating a flexible, enduring, peaceful society (adopted in academic year 2013).

The two programs aim to develop innovative, global leaders capable of working on regional and international issues drawing on knowledge and experience from beyond the conventional academic and research frameworks. Indeed, these programs exemplify the concrete steps that Hiroshima University has taken towards developing global and interdisciplinary human resources.

Hiroshima University takes pride in its tradition and accumulated experience regarding radiation disaster research and peace studies. Making full use of our research and educational capabilities, we have built a comprehensive research university, that offers global-standard curricula and full support for all our students. We await new students and colleagues with whom we can share the hopes and dreams for our future, ensuring that Hiroshima University will still be shining brilliantly 100 years on!

April 2015

Dr. Mitsuo Ochi

Director, Organization of the Leading Graduate Education Program

President, Hiroshima University