On November 28, Vice President for International Affairs and Alumni, Okayama University SUZUKI Takayoshi, serving as the Director of the Six National Universities International Education, Research System (SixERS), organized a joint symposium in collaboration with the Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan (Chiba University, Niigata University, Kanazawa University, Okayama University, Nagasaki University, Kumamoto University) and Taipei University Alliance (Taipei Medical University, National Taipei University of Technology, National Taipei University, National Taiwan Ocean University).

The symposium aimed to promote research exchange and strengthen networks between the two consortia. It was conducted in a hybrid format, connecting participants both in person at Taipei Medical University's campus and online, linking Japan and Taiwan. Approximately 200 researchers and students gathered at the venue.

The Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan and Taipei University Alliance signed an international exchange agreement in June 2020. As part of the collaborative initiatives, the first joint symposium, led by National Taipei University of Technology, took place in December 2021, and the second, led by Okayama University, was held in December 2022, both online.

At the beginning of the symposium, President of Taipei Medical University Wu Mai Szu delivered opening remarks, followed by Vice President Suzuki, who, representing the Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan, welcomed the participation of researchers from the ten universities. Vice President Suzuki also gave a presentation titled "Introduction of SixERS and Expectations for Future Collaboration with USTP," expressing expectations for future collaboration between the consortia.

Ten researchers from both consortia participated as presenters in two sessions: "Advancing Renewable Energy Technologies for a Sustainable Future" and "Innovative Approaches to Healthcare." They presented their research findings, followed by discussions. From Okayama University, Professor HIEJIMA Shinji from the Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Engineering) presented on the theme "Kite-Sailing Offshore Wind Energy Harvester" in the "Advancing Renewable Energy Technologies for a Sustainable Future" session.

Building on their past interactions, Okayama University and the SixERS will continue to foster exchange between the two consortia.

○The Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan
The Consortium was established in March 2013 for the purpose of further strengthening functions of education, academic research, social contribution, etc., and promoting human resource development and upgrading academic research to lead global society through cooperation among the six national universities, while respecting their independence and self-reliance.

○Six National Universities International Education, Research System (SixERS)
An organization established within the Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan to promote international collaboration and cooperation among the six national universities. Vice President for International Affairs and Alumni, Okayama University SUZUKI Takayoshi serves as the director of the organization.