Changes

== 1. A general overview General Overview of Sophia University ==

== 2Sophia University (Jouchi Daigaku 上智大学) is one of the most prominent private universities in Japan. Core features Founded in 1913 by the Roman Catholic religious order of the Society of Jesus, it has grown from its three original departments of Philosophy, German Literature, and its unique contribution Commerce to society ==nine undergraduate faculties and ten graduate schools, with over 13,900 students in total.

The university’s While physically located in the heart of Tokyo, right across the Imperial Palace, Sophia University is also close to the socio-economic and political core values of respect Japanese society. From its early days, the University has been a center for equality, diversity internationalization and contribution to this day continues to act as a bridge to the larger social good are captured into its motto: “Men and Women, With Others, For Others”wider world. These values permeate not only Many of its academic curriculum but also guide students in graduates find their extracurricular activities. Students undertake many volunteer activities run inside and outside way into fields such as the university, but also beyond Japan, for instancemedia (national broadcasters like NHK), global development (international organizations like the support activities focused on refugeesUnited Nations), or the areas damaged by the Great Tohoku Earthquake, to name a fewglobal business (multinational corporations).

Sophia University has been promoting educational ==Promoting Student Innovation 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.Entrepreneurship==

Recently, Sophia University is continuously developing as an a higher education institution. In recent years, it has been increasingly focused on shifted away from a classical discipline-based institution to one that aims to be more innovative and student-centered. An example is the environment Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA), which offers English-taught undergraduate degrees. This faculty has increased interactions between Japanese and international students, and sustainable development. Many many of its programs professors have conscientiously incorporated courses that relate to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals set forth by been at the United Nations university’s forefront in 2015)adopting innovative teaching methods.

In November 2015Recently, it also signed Sophia University has been increasingly focused on the environment and sustainable development. Many of its programs have conscientiously incorporated courses related to the Principles for Responsible Investment Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs (PRI) supported a set of global goals adopted by the United Nationsin 2015). As a prominent institution for research and higher education in the fields of social sciences, humanities, aiming and natural sciences, Sophia University was one among 37 Japanese universities to realize be selected for the “Top Global University Project” – a sustainable society. These principles advocate funding project initiated by the incorporation Japanese Ministry of environmentalEducation, societal Culture, Sports, Science and corporate governance concerns into investment decisionsTechnology to support the innovation and internationalization efforts of universities. As Based on this project, Sophia University launched a private corporation that operates new English-based undergraduate program called “Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures” (SPSF) in the fall of 2020. This program brings together seven different disciplines (journalism, education and research institutes, sociology, economics, management, international relations, and as a responsible asset owner, Sophia assumes its responsibility area studies) and brings its contribution is designed to solving the various issues facing our global society through its ESG investmentfoster interdisciplinary and action-oriented learning.

== 3Another English-taught degree program known as the Faculty of Science and Technology aims to educate future scientists and technologists to become productive members of the global community. Recent developments/achievements in research Students at the Faculty of Science and Technology seek a deeper understanding of human development and education, harmonious coexistence with a focus on education) ==people and nature.

Responding In addition to the need to further develop as a “university in line with the world”these curricular programs, Sophia University has there have been taking bold steps in rethinking the old approach interactive events for students to teaching engage with and spark innovation. United Nations Week and learningMirai 2. Through various initiatives it has sought to reform “Towards 0 Research and Innovation Week are a qualitative change in university education to build a new future” for few annual events that allow active learning through the Japanese society, fostering a “knowledge-based independence, collaboration of industries and creative model” which “cultivates independent thinking and creativity”academic institutions. (Report of the Central Equation Council, August 2012)

Through Overall, the university’s core values of respect for equality, diversity, and contribution to the larger social good are captured into its participation motto: “Men and Women, With Others, For Others.” These values permeate not only its academic curriculum but also guide students in their extracurricular activities. Students undertake many volunteer activities run inside and outside the university, but also beyond Japan, such as the support activities focused on refugees, or the Inter-University Exchange Project called areas damaged by the “Collaborative Online International Learning”Great Tohoku Earthquake, to name a few. Extracurricular clubs that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity include Horizon (a student empowerment organization committed to inspiring youth to create innovative solutions for social change) and Sophia Start-up Club (Sophia University offers University’s first entrepreneurship organization established in 2021). Other programs towards Human Security that generate awareness and Multicultural Coexistence. Students in Japan connect and learn together with other students at institutions in Japan fundamental elements of I&E include TEDxSophia, Sophia University Future Center, Yotsuya Hatch (a start-up pitch event organized by Sophia Start-up Club), and abroadHult Prize OnCampus Program (an annual global competition for pitching business ideas that tackle various social issues).

As a prominent institution for research ==Encouraging Faculty Innovation and higher education in the fields of social sciences, humanities and natural sciences, the University has been selected by the Japanese Ministry of Education to be one of 37 universities to receive funding for its innovation and internationalization efforts through its “Top Global University Project”. Based on this project, the University launched in the autumn semester of 2020 an innovative English-based undergraduate “Program for Sustainable Futures” that brings together seven different disciplines: journalism, education, sociology, economics, management, international relations and area studies.Entrepreneurship==

== 4Responding to the need to further develop as a “university in line with the world,” Sophia University has been taking bold steps in rethinking the old approach to teaching and learning. Through various initiatives, it has sought to reform “towards a qualitative change in university education to build a new future” for Japanese society and foster a “knowledge-based independence, collaboration, and creative model” which “cultivates independent thinking and creativity” (Report of the Central Equation Council, August 2012). Going forward ==

Although However, while Sophia University’s history with University has focused on working in the areas of innovation and in recent years, the institution lacks resources for promoting entrepreneurship is short. There continue to be limitations, the institutions’ efforts such as opening new programs and opportunities for innovation not having offices, faculties, or organizations that are specifically focused on encouraging students to explore I&E. Sophia University hopes to faculty and students have become more apparent improve on these areas 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 elementsnear future through new programs such as SPSF.

==Actively Supporting the University Technology Transfer Function== Sophia University is active in funding and supporting research programs through the Sophia Research Support Organization. The Organization has been exploring the possibility of further expanding its research support system and providing enhanced support for faculty to commercialize their research. It aims to act as an incubator that would facilitate successful technology transfers, licensing, and innovation projects. In this way, Sophia University is working to advance development projects through collaboration between industry, government, and academia.  In addition, Sophia University has several seed funding sources for students’ activities. For extracurricular activities, Sophia University provides grant support each semester for the University’s official extracurricular activities. Students go through the process of examination by submitting a proposal and having an interview to receive the grant and report the usage and the impact of the project. Likewise, despite not being a group specifically at Sophia University, many of its students actively utilize a social incubator for movements and change-makers called Social Innovation Japan where they can join its community to get information and opportunities regarding topics they are passionate about.  In 2021, Sophia University joined the Renewable Energy University League of Japan. The universities that join this community aim to transition their campuses to 100% renewable energy between 2030 and 2040. In November 2022, after an electricity supplier switch at some buildings, 100% of the electricity consumed at Sophia University's Yotsuya Campus have become to come from renewable energy. In addition, the university is trying to encourage its students to also take action for renewable energy and decarbonization through various initiatives and campaigns on the campus. ==Facilitating university-industry collaboration==Recognizing that Japan’s industry-academia collaboration is poor compared to Western countries, Sophia University's Faculty of Science and Engineering created the “Sophia Science & Technology Liaison Office” in November of 2001 to transfer research breakthroughs more easily into society. 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 Sophia University emphasizes industry-academia collaboration is through the Bulletin Board of Information found in the student portal. The University posts about scholarship opportunities and programs involving university-business collaborations. Some of these scholarships and programs offer students opportunities to engage with industries and learn I&E skills by working directly with them. 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 networks for their future careers. On the other hand, some of the posts within the 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 its entire 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 skills and mindsets. ==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 has established a new ‘green’ building on campus to be used for various purposes, including community events and academic gatherings for working professionals. The three-story wooden building consists of a café on the first floor and classrooms on the rest of the floors. The Corporation also plans to establish a disaster prevention warehouse that is accessible to the public. To conclude, Sophia University is located at the centre center of one of the busiest metropolitan cities 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.