On January 21, the British higher education magazine Times Higher Education (THE) announced the shortlist for THE Awards Asia 2025, which recognizes outstanding reform efforts by universities across Asia. Hiroshima University has been selected as a finalist in four out of ten categories—the highest number of nominations. The winners in each category will be announced at the THE Asia Universities Summit in late April.

Now in its seventh year, the awards received over 500 applications, with eight universities selected as finalists in each category. Alongside Hiroshima University, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU)—both highly ranked in the THE World University Rankings—have also been shortlisted in four categories each.

Below are the four categories in which Hiroshima University has been shortlisted, along with the initiatives that earned high recognition. By continuing to advance these initiatives, Hiroshima University aims to devote efforts to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and further contribute to a peaceful and sustainable world.

1. Leadership and Management Team of the Year (First-time Selection)

This award is given to an institution that demonstrates the greatest breadth and depth of leadership and management skills. Under President Ochi’s leadership—including the hosting of the University Presidents for Peace Conference on August 6, 2024, with university presidents from 10 institutions across seven countries and regions—Hiroshima University strives to become a university that "creates peace" while upholding its commitment to "The Pursuit of Peace." The university has been highly recognized for its contributions to the SDGs and its impact on both international and local communities.

2. International Strategy of the Year (Fourth Consecutive Selection)

This award is presented to an institution for outstanding success in building institutional partnerships, overseas operations, and a strategic approach to international staff and student recruitment. Hiroshima University was highly commended for fostering an international network in peace education, particularly through initiatives such as the Peace Study Tour, which invites students from partner universities worldwide, and the University Presidents for Peace Conference.

3. Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership (First-time Selection)

This award is given to an institution that demonstrates clear leadership on environmental issues, encompassing innovative approaches and showing clear evidence that the work is transferable across the sector. Hiroshima University’s Carbon Neutral × Smart Campus 5.0 Declaration, announced in January 2021, has been recognized for its practical steps toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. These efforts include enhancing courses and programs for all students and collaborating with Nissan Motor Corporation on electric vehicle (EV)-centered initiatives.

4. Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (First-time Selection)

This award recognizes innovative arts, humanities or social sciences research that has a far-reaching impact and has caught, or has the potential to catch, the imagination of the public. A paper by Professor Takuya Baba and his team, featured as a background paper in UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report, was highly praised for its research on science and mathematics education support in Africa, which Hiroshima University has been carrying out in collaboration with JICA since the 1990s.