[Okayama University] Japan's First 'Honorary Technical Supervisor' Title Established to Lead the Advancement of Technical Staff!

Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Tomonori Nasu) awarded the title of 'Okayama University Honorary Technical Supervisor' to three former technical staff members on April 7, 2026. These individuals were recommended by the Technical Management Headquarters (Technical Director: President Tomonori Nasu) and approved by the Education and Research Council. In fiscal 2024, the university introduced the 'Technical Supervisor System,' a first in Japanese academia. Universities employ technical staff who perform specialized tasks based on their technical expertise. At Okayama University, technical staff are assigned to the Education and Research Division (General Technical Department), Facilities Division (Facilities Planning Department), and Medical Division (Okayama University Hospital Medical Technology Department), with the Technical Management Headquarters overseeing these groups. The title of 'Technical Supervisor' is granted to the head of each division. The newly created 'Honorary Technical Supervisor' title is awarded to those who have contributed to the university's operation and development through advanced expertise and excellent management, marking a first for Japan. This year, three individuals were named the first Honorary Technical Supervisors and received their appointment letters from President Tomonori Nasu. Regarding this inaugural award, President Nasu commented, 'As an open, regional core, and distinctive research university, Okayama University is advancing various reforms with speed, including reforms for technical staff. These efforts are frequently cited as best practices in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's guidelines. I strongly requested that this ceremony be held concurrently with the Honorary Professor award ceremony, renamed as the 'Okayama University Honorary Professor and Honorary Technical Supervisor Award Ceremony.' This stems from our stance of treating faculty and technical staff equally. We hope to continue fostering and producing talent with excellent expertise and management skills who will follow in the footsteps of these three honorees.' The university is pursuing various reforms to strengthen research capabilities and innovation. Technical staff are not only partners to researchers but also play a core role in research infrastructure and the sharing of research equipment, serving as key contributors to science, technology, and innovation in Japan. We ask for your continued support for the initiatives of Okayama University, our Honorary Technical Supervisors, and our technical staff.