[Okayama University] Professor Shinichi Nishimura of Okayama University's Academic Research Institute, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Appointed as Okayama City Fire Department's "Natural Disaster Support Advisor"

May 4, 2026 National University Corporation Okayama University

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆ Overview

National University Corporation Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasuhiro Nasu) has collaborated with the Okayama City Fire Department to introduce the prefecture's first "Natural Disaster Support Advisor System" starting April 1, 2026. Professor Shinichi Nishimura of the Academic Research Institute, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences at the university, has been appointed as a "Natural Disaster Support Advisor."

The purpose of this system is to enable safe, reliable, and swift fire department activities by obtaining advice from experts when natural disasters occur. During large-scale earthquakes and sediment disasters, expert advice will be provided regarding on-site situation assessment and understanding activity risks.

Professor Nishimura specializes in geotechnical engineering and possesses expert knowledge regarding the assessment of ground and slope conditions during disasters. Through cooperation with this system, the university will contribute to ensuring the safety and security of the local community and improving disaster prevention capabilities.

Furthermore, this initiative aligns with "Initiative 2: Realization of a Well-being society through innovation creation," which the university is promoting under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "Program for Promoting the Enhancement of Research Universities (J-PEAKS)." The university aims to achieve Community Health where people can live safely and securely, and its cooperation with this system is expected to contribute to enhancing regional resilience and forming a sustainable and safe community.

Please continue to look forward to the efforts of Okayama University, an open regional core and distinctive research university, and Professor Shinichi Nishimura.

This information was released by Okayama University on April 10, 2026.

Image illustration of a Natural Disaster Support Advisor (AI-generated)

◆ References

- National University Corporation Okayama University Research University Declaration https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003808.000072793.html - Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-creation Organization https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/ - Okayama University Program for Promoting the Enhancement of Research Universities (J-PEAKS) https://j-peaks.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/ - Okayama University Academic Research Institute, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Environmental Facilities Engineering https://www.elst.okayama-u.ac.jp/education/mc/chikyu/areas08_nou/ - Okayama City Fire Department https://www.city.okayama.jp/0000011511.html

Okayama University Tsushima Campus (Kita-ku, Okayama City)

◆ Contact Information for this Matter

- Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-creation Organization, Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration Headquarters 〒700-8530 1F Main Building, Okayama University Tsushima Campus, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture TEL: 086-251-8918 E-mail: [email protected] https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/news/news_id15217.html

- Okayama University Hospital New Medical Research and Development Center (for pharmaceutical and medical device company personnel) 〒700-8558 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture Please inquire about relevant matters from the URL below http://shin-iryo.hospital.okayama-u.ac.jp/ph_company/

- Okayama University Hospital Research Promotion Division, Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration Promotion Department (for medical professionals and researchers) 〒700-8558 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture TEL: 086-235-7983 E-mail: [email protected] http://shin-iryo.hospital.okayama-u.ac.jp/medical/

- Contact Information for Okayama University's Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration, etc. Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-creation Organization, Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration Headquarters 〒700-8530 1F Main Building, Okayama University Tsushima Campus, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture TEL: 086-251-8463 E-mail: [email protected] https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

- Contact Information for Okayama University's Research Equipment Sharing (Core Facility), etc.