Chiba University and Tokushima University Sign Partnership Agreement on J-PEAKS to Build a Mutually Strengthening Relationship and Accelerate Both Universities' Initiatives

National University Corporation Chiba University (President: Kotaro Yokote) and National University Corporation Tokushima University (President: Yasuhiko Kawamura) concluded a partnership agreement in March 2026 with the aim of building a mutually strengthening relationship and accelerating both universities' initiatives under the "Program for Promoting Research at Regional Core and Distinctive Universities (J-PEAKS)," which the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) have been implementing since fiscal year 2024.

【Background and Purpose】

Under J-PEAKS, universities are required to accelerate their efforts not only through collaboration with partner institutions designated at the time of application, but also through cooperation with other adopted universities and beyond. Since both Chiba University and Tokushima University were selected for J-PEAKS, they have been exchanging opinions at the working-level from an early stage. Through this agreement, the two universities aim to further strengthen their collaboration by piloting a new field-led partnership model through practical cooperation at the administrative staff and URA (University Research Administrator: specialized personnel supporting university research) levels, thereby building a relationship that contributes to mutual development. In addition, by mutually sharing and utilizing the knowledge held by both universities, they seek to further enhance their planning and execution capabilities in university management.

【Contents of the Partnership Agreement】

Under this agreement, both universities will mutually cooperate on the following matters:

1. Sharing of information and challenges necessary for promoting the J-PEAKS program

2. Mutual personnel exchanges between URAs, administrative staff, and others

3. Sharing of knowledge related to responses to university reform programs

4. Other matters necessary to achieve the objectives of items 1 through 3

【Joint Symposium】

To commemorate the start of collaboration under this agreement, a symposium is planned as follows. We look forward to the participation of many attendees.

■ Date: Friday, June 19, 2026, 14:30–17:30

■ Venue: Chiba University Kashiwa-no-ha Campus, Biohealth open Innovation Hub (BIH), Building A (Online streaming also planned)