Toward 2030 and Beyond
Norikazu Takahashi Dean of the School of Engineering
The School of Engineering at Okayama University, which was established in April 2021 through the reorganization and integration of the previous School of Engineering and School of Environmental Science and Engineering, sent out its first graduates in March 2025. The education of the School of Engineering designed to cultivate innovative engineers with a broad perspective, capable of identifying, understanding, and proactively solving social issues, is undoubtedly producing positive outcomes, aligning with the goal of contributing to the achievement of the SDGs through the realization of Society 5.0.
One of the unique aspects of the School of Engineering’s education is the implementation of a single department system. This approach fosters interdisciplinary study, free from traditional departmental boundaries. To create new value through innovative technologies and ideas, it is crucial for a diverse group of individuals with varying expertise and perspectives to collaborate, leveraging their unique strengths. Through interdisciplinary study, we cultivate individuals who are not only passionate about their own field but also curious about others, and who embrace diverse ways of thinking. Additional aspects include the introduction of a new architectural education program and the expansion of education in information science and mathematical data science. In January 2023, the Okayama Visionary Commons, a wooden architecture supervised by Professor Kengo Kuma, was completed, and has since served as a symbol of the School of Engineering, hosting lectures and various events. In April 2024, the Information Technology Advanced Track was launched, offering a comprehensive six-year educational program in information technology, from undergraduate admission through to graduate school completion. The Faculty of Engineering itself is continually evolving to generate new value.
The deadline for achieving the SDGs is 2030, and time is running out. According to the latest UN report, “the world is failing to deliver on the SDGs promise.” Engineering, which focuses on creating products and technologies that benefit society, plays a crucial role in achieving a sustainable future. It is no exaggeration to say that engineering has an unlimited potential to contribute to this goal. The School of Engineering at Okayama University aims not only to meet the SDGs but also to look beyond 2030. We nurture engineers and researchers who will be active domestically, internationally, and locally, driving the innovations necessary for a sustainable society.
Norikazu Takahashi
Dean of the School of Engineering