Introduction

Message from the European Center

The Kyoto University European Center in Heidelberg

The Kyoto University European Center in Heidelberg was founded in May 2014 in order to strengthen academic exchange with universities in Europe.

The Kyoto University European Center has several key aims. It works to facilitate and promote strategic collaborative research projects with European partners. It also provides support for sending students to Europe and for early career researchers to develop their international careers. Kyoto University European Center offers advice to researchers in Europe who wish to stay in Kyoto to conduct research. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in expanding and reinforcing Kyoto University’s global connections with universities, research institutions, funding agencies and other academic organizations in Europe. Finally, the Kyoto University European Center offers support to Kyoto University researchers, students, and staff, especially in emergency situations.

In February 2009, Kyoto University opened its European Representative Office in London as the first overseas operating base in Europe to promote the university’s industry-academia collaboration activities. In June 2017, the London Office was closed and its functions were consolidated into Kyoto University’s central administration and the Kyoto University European Center.

The office in Heidelberg has the following 4 missions and also serves as a contact point for the Japanese members of the German-Japanese HeKKSaGOn University alliance (see below for details).

Introduction to Kyoto University European Center

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Missions　

1. Boosting Collaborative Research Activities

• Gathering and analyzing information on research and academic policies
• Supporting the organization of international research projects, seminars, workshops, and symposiums.
• Exploring funding possibilities for Japan-European joint research.

2. Supporting Research

• Collection and distribution of information on education policies and study-abroad programs in Europe.
• Providing European partner universities and individuals with information about undertaking study and research at Kyoto University.
• Providing assistance to exchange students and researchers coming from Kyoto University to European universities and research facilities.

3. Promoting Internationalization

• Providing the university’s faculty and administrative staff with international experience through overseas placement programs.
• Providing Kyoto University students with cultural exchange opportunities in Europe.

4. Strengthening Kyoto University’s Networks

• Maintaining close relations with various organizations in Europe, including academic institutions, funding agencies, and the overseas offices of Japanese governmental institutions and universities.
• Building networks with students, researchers, alumni, and other Kyoto University associates in Europe.
• Serving as a liaison office for the German-Japanese university network HeKKSaGOn

The HeKKSaGOn University Alliance

HeKKSaGOn is a university alliance comprising six leading universities from Japan and Germany: Heidelberg University, Kyoto University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Tohoku University (Sendai), University of Göttingen, and Osaka University. The consortium was established in 2010 with the aim of enhancing relationships between Japanese and German universities, including researcher and student exchange, research collaboration, and summer school programs.