2021 Cohort
14
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In 2021, Sophia University joined the renewable energy university league. The universities that joined this community are aiming to make the university campus’ energy 100% renewable sometime between 2030 and 2040. Sophia is trying to create an ecosystem in which students take action to make actions regarding renewable energy and decarbonization.
== 5. Facilitating university-industry collaboration: ==
Recognizing Japan’s industry-academia collaboration in Japan is poor compared to western countries, Sophia University Faculty of Science and Engineering created the “Sophia Science & Technology Liaison Office” in November of 2001 that aims to transfer research breakthroughs easily into society through its position as an industry-academia collaborative organization. Unfortunately, this organization is no longer in operation within the university but its impacts have left a strong impression on the I&E community and students involved in its mission.
Another way the university emphasizes University-Industry Collaboration is through the Bulletin Board of Information found in Sophia University’s student portal where many scholarship opportunities and university-business collaborations in the form of programs are posted. Some of these scholarships and programs sometimes offer students opportunities to engage with industries and learn some I&E skills by working directly with the area of work of these industries. Not only are students given a chance to expand their range of experiences by applying to these activities, but they are also able to build their own network webs for their future career. On the other hand, some of the posts within this Bulletin Board of Information are related to research labs and research funding. Sophia University highly values quality research and the involvement of students in developing new technologies and thus often offers these openings to all its student body.
Although Sophia University’s history with innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) is short, the institution’s efforts such as opening new programs and opportunities for innovation to faculty and students have become more apparent in the past few years. Over time a growing number of faculty members have become active in organizing events and activities where they encourage students to incorporate entrepreneurial elements.
== 6. Engaging with regional and local economic development efforts: ==
Sophia University has been promoting educational and research activities based on a spirit of charity and globalism through encounters and dialogues with people of diverse backgrounds in the hope to bring forth solutions to the many problems that torment our world today. Through its participation in the Inter-University Exchange Project called the “Collaborative Online International Learning,” Sophia University offers programs towards Human Security and Multicultural Coexistence which allow students in Japan to connect and learn together with other students at institutions in Japan and abroad.
In November 2015, the University signed the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) supported by the United Nations with the aim to realize a sustainable society. These principles advocate for the incorporation of environmental, societal, and corporate governance concerns into investment decisions. As a private corporation that operates education and research institutes, and as a responsible asset owner, Sophia University assumes its responsibility and contributes to solving the various issues facing our global society through its ESG investment.
In addition to that, the Sophia School Corporation is currently conducting the construction of a new ‘green’ building on campus to be used for various purposes, including community events and academic gatherings for working professionals. The Corporation also plans to establish a disaster prevention warehouse that is accessible to the public.
To conclude, Sophia University is located at the center of one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the world. It also gathers together the best and the brightest domestic and international students and faculty, giving it unique advantages and opportunities. Maximizing them will continue to require innovative and creative thinking. This is where the mindset and skills of the UIF Community can potentially make a meaningful contribution.
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