JSS AHER signs MoU with Japan’s University

To strengthen international academic and research collaboration

Sapporo (Japan) / Mysuru: In a significant step towards strengthening its global academic and research partnerships, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Graduate School of Global Food Resources, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan, marking the beginning of a promising academic and scientific collaboration between the two institutions. The MoU was signed by Prof. B. Suresh, Pro-Chancellor, JSS AHER and Prof. Teruo Sone, Dean, Graduate School of Global Food Resources, Hokkaido University, on Oct. 13 at Sapporo, Japan.

The agreement assumes special significance as Hokkaido University celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026. Established in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College, Hokkaido University has evolved into one of Japan’s leading research-intensive Universities, with a distinguished history of contributions to education, scientific advancement and international cooperation.

JSS AHER, a health sciences-focused, research-driven University, has been progressively strengthening its intl. collaborations to promote interdisciplinary research, academic innovation and global engagement.

Focus on Academic and Research Collaboration

The newly signed MoU establishes a framework for cooperation, particularly in biotechnology, food sciences and agricultural sciences. The proposed areas of collaboration include: • Joint academic and research initiatives in areas of mutual interest; • Faculty exchanges for academic lectures, research interactions and scholarly discussions; • Undergraduate and postgraduate student exchanges, including opportunities for internships and experiential learning; • Development of new curricula and joint academic programmes; • Preparation of joint publications, educational resources and training materials; • Organisation of international conferences, seminars and scientific symposia.

Specific collaborative projects and activities will be developed through subsequent discussions and mutually agreed arrangements between the institutions.

Expanding the Scope of Intl. Cooperation

Following the signing ceremony, detailed discussions were held with representatives of Hokkaido University’s international cooperation offices, including Dr. Norifumi Miyokawa, Deputy Director, Institute for International Collaboration and Yoji Ishii, Senior Academic Specialist, Office for the Promotion of International Affairs.

The discussions explored opportunities to progressively expand cooperation beyond the initial areas identified in the MoU, with the objective of developing a broader, long-term strategic institutional partnership. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening faculty and researcher engagement, identifying areas of complementary expertise and creating sustainable mechanisms for academic and scientific cooperation.

Dr. Prashanth, Dean (Research), JSS AHER, accompanied Prof. Suresh during the visit & participated in discussions. The collaboration was facilitated through dedicated efforts of Dr. Siddabasave Gowda, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido Varsity, whose initiative & coordination were instrumental in bringing the two institutions together.

Building partnerships beyond Institutional Boundaries

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B. Suresh, Pro-Chancellor, JSS AHER, observed: “Hokkaido University brings 150 years of distinguished academic heritage, while JSS AHER brings the aspirations and energy of a young, research-driven university. When experience and ambition come together, exciting possibilities emerge. For us, signing an MoU is not the destination. It is the beginning of a journey in which our faculty, researchers and students must work together to create meaningful academic and societal outcomes. Universities do not become global merely by signing international agreements. They become global when their people begin thinking, learning and solving problems together across borders.”

He further emphasised that international partnerships must progress beyond formal agreements to generate tangible outcomes through joint research, academic mobility, capacity building and knowledge exchange.

The collaboration has been undertaken with the blessings and guidance of Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, whose visionary leadership and continued encouragement have been instrumental in advancing JSS AHER’s commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation and meaningful international partnerships.