The souvenir received by the Rector of NOVA, João Sáàgua, from the Rector of Osaka University, Shojiro NISHIO, symbolizes the strengthening of collaborative relations with this institution.
The visit by the Japanese delegation, which took place on the 18th of September, was marked by an exchange of ideas on the teaching philosophies of the two universities, and both expressed their intention to initiate new collaborations in the fields of teaching and research.
In addition to Nishio, Osaka University was represented by Manabu Tanaka, Executive Vice President, Beverley Anne Yamamoto, Vice President for International Affairs, Yoko Kimoto, Director of the International Affairs Division, Teruo Nakairichi, Deputy Head of the International Affairs Division, and Ayumi Nakanishi, Deputy Head of the International Affairs Division.
Accompanying the Rector of NOVA at this meeting were Vice Rector João Amaro de Matos; Rita Falcão, Director of Education and International Development; Arlete Meneses, Coordinator of the International Relations Department; and José Conchinha, Head of the International Mobility Unit.
Founded in 1931, Osaka University is one of Japan's first modern universities and became the country's largest after merging with Osaka University of Foreign Studies in 2007.
It is also considered one of the most productive research institutions in Japan, associated with names such as the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Hideki Yukawa (1949) or the immunologist Shimon Sakaguchi, known for having identified regulatory T cells, essential for controlling the development of autoimmune diseases. It was also where Akio Morita, the founder of Sony, completed his studies.
Today, national and international rankings place Osaka University among the best in the country and in Asia.