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On August 8, Tohoku University held a ceremony at its Katahira campus to recognize 48 students for their roles in advancing the institution's internationalisation efforts. University President Teiji Tominaga emphasized the necessity of cultivating a global mindset as Tohoku University aspires to maintain its status as Japan's first University for International Research Excellence. He urged recipients to leverage their overseas experiences to enhance their academic expertise and cultural adaptability.

Thirty students were awarded the Global Hagi Scholarship, enabling them to study abroad at partner institutions, a program supported by the Tohoku University Fund, which recognizes students with exemplary academic records. Tsubasa Konno, a doctoral student in information sciences, represented the scholarship winners, while first-year master's student Reika Kazama highlighted the transformative impact of her previous study abroad experiences in France and Spain. She aims to deepen her understanding of environmental technologies during her upcoming exchange in Sweden, focusing on hydrogen storage alloys.

Eighteen additional students received Global Leader (TGL) certification, a program fostering an international curriculum and cross-cultural collaboration. Kai Yamazaki, a third-year law student, accepted the award on behalf of this group. Asuka Matsushita, a fourth-year medical student, shared how the TGL program reshaped her career perspective, shifting her focus from solely working overseas to enhancing Japanás healthcare system through a global lens.

Since its inception in 2013, approximately 300 students have been certified as Global Leaders, reflecting the university's commitment to developing students equipped to make a positive global impact. This initiative not only supports individual growth but also strengthens Japan's contribution to global challenges.