To mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences (UGAS), Ehime University, a commemorative ceremony was held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Matsuyama.
UGAS is a collaborative program of Ehime University, Kagawa University, and Kochi University. Established in 1985, together with Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, it served as one of the pioneering joint doctoral programs in Japan. Since its founding, the school has produced many doctoral graduates and has played an important role in advancing education and research in the field of agricultural sciences.
To celebrate this milestone, approximately 100 participants attended the ceremony, including the presidents of the three constituent universities, distinguished guests from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), representatives from research and international partner institutions, alumni, and faculty and staff.
Part I: Commemorative Ceremony and Special Presentations
The ceremony opened with an address by Prof. Takuya Sugahara, Dean of UGAS, followed by congratulatory remarks from the presidents of the three constituent universities. Messages of congratulations were then delivered by Shigekazu Matsuura, Director-General for the Minister’s Secretariat, MEXT, and Tatsuya Go, Director-General of the Chugoku-Shikoku Regional Agricultural Administration Office, MAFF.
Commemorative presentations were given by several distinguished speakers, including Dr. Alim Setiawan Slamet (then Vice President, now President of IPB University, and UGAS alumnus), Eriko Tamura (Director, JICA Shikoku Center), Noriyuki Suzuki (Fellow, National Institute for Environmental Studies), and Prof. Hiroki Oue (former Dean of UGAS). Their talks presented diverse perspectives on international research collaboration and efforts to address environmental challenges in agricultural sciences.
In addition, Prof. Taiichiro Okawa, Dean of the United Graduate School of Agricultural Science at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, delivered a congratulatory message and introduced the school’s 40-year history. Prof. Sugahara then provided an overview of the current status of the program and future outlook.
Part II: Commemorative Reception
The reception began with a toast by Prof. Shinsuke Chita, Dean of the Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, followed by commemorative speeches from alumni, including:
- Dr. Islam Md Parvez (Associate Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University)
- Dr. Hikaru Nagaoka (Associate Professor, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University)
- Dr. Tomohiro Nishimura (Researcher, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency)
- Dr. Keiko Uechi (Associate Professor, University of the Ryukyus)
- Dr. Sellen Gurusmatika (Web Content Creator)
- Prof. Adi Djoko Guritno (Gadjah Mada University)
They shared memories from their student days and spoke about their current research and professional activities.
Video messages from alumni active in Japan and abroad were also shown, highlighting the global reach of the UGAS network. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Masahiro Ogawa, Dean of the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kagawa University.
Looking Ahead
The 40th anniversary events provided an opportunity to reflect on the school’s history and to reaffirm its commitment to fostering the next generation of doctoral researchers in agricultural sciences. UGAS will continue to promote international research collaboration and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
Minister’s Secretariat, MEXT
＜The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences＞