[Okayama University] Held an exchange of views with the Director of the Human Resources Policy Promotion Office, MEXT

On May 15, 2026, Keiko Aihara, Director of the Human Resources Policy Promotion Office at MEXT, and staff member Hayato Nakano visited Okayama University. They held an exchange of views at the Co-creation Innovation Lab (KIBINOVE) on the Tsushima Campus with Masanori Kawamoto, Senior Vice Director of the Research and Innovation Co-creation Organization, and other university officials. Okayama University is strategically advancing initiatives to achieve its 'Long-term Vision 2025' by utilizing the MEXT 'J-PEAKS' project, which was adopted in fiscal year 2023. The university is actively reviewing its HR systems, including the introduction of a certification system for research and development management personnel, functional differentiation of faculty, and the professional development of staff. It has also been selected as a training provider for MEXT's 'Project for Developing Systems for Research and Development Management Personnel.' During the meeting, Vice Director Kawamoto explained these efforts. In response to Director Aihara's question about the keys to organizational progress, Kawamoto and HR Manager Yumiko Morimoto emphasized that President Nasu's commitment to face-to-face dialogue—having held 27 such sessions last year—and the sharing of the university's vision with many staff members were crucial. The discussion also touched on obstacles to utilizing PhD talent, reaching a consensus that beyond changing faculty awareness, economic support and structural improvements are essential. Okayama University will continue to use J-PEAKS to promote the advancement of URAs and administrative/technical staff, as well as the shared use of research equipment, to drive social transformation.