TMU College of Nutrition Forges Closer Ties with Tohoku University through Dual Doctoral Degree Agreement

On April 29th, 2024, TMU College of Nutrition formalized a significant collaboration by signing a dual doctoral degree agreement with Tohoku University’s Faculty of Agriculture.

Represented by Rong-Hong Hsieh, Dean of TMU College of Nutrition, and Haruki Kitazawa, Dean of Tohoku’s Faculty of Agriculture, this agreement marks a pivotal step in integrating resources and strengthening academic ties between the two universities.

Commencing from July 2024, doctoral candidates at TMU College of Nutrition will be eligible to pursue a dual doctoral degree following a thorough assessment by both TMU and Tohoku University. This entails completing required credits at TMU and engaging in a year of study at Tohoku University. Upon successful completion of a joint dissertation defense coordinated by both universities, students will be conferred with dual doctoral degrees. This reciprocity extends to students from Tohoku University pursuing similar qualifications.

The collaborative academic journey between TMU and Tohoku University traces back to 2006 with the signing of an MoU, fostering mutual visits between faculty and students, international joint courses, co-guidance of graduate students, short-term research exchanges, collaborative research endeavors, and jointly organized academic seminars. The implementation of the SAKURA Exchange Program in Science in 2016 has further strengthened academic communication and talent development between the two universities. Tohoku University also extends the Research-Oriented Incoming Student Scholarship (ROIS Scholarship) to facilitate future student exchanges.

Suh-Ching Yang, Vice Dean of TMU College of Nutrition, highlighted Tohoku University’s provision of English-oriented courses, enhancing global mobility opportunities for students from both universities. Anticipation mounts for the two co-organized seminars slated for late 2024, signaling a deepening academic relationship and the promise of fruitful outcomes in the years ahead.