The Dean of the UL Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, prof. dr. Mihael Sekavčnik, together with the Vice Dean for Scientific Research and International Cooperation, prof. dr. Janko Slavič, and prof. dr. Tomaž Katrašnik, Head of the Laboratory for Internal Combustion Engines and Electromobility, today welcomed representatives from the University of Yamanashi, Japan. The four-member delegation was led by prof. dr. Xiaoyang Mao, Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of the University, was accompanied by prof. dr. Mcaqru Iwasaki, Vice-Chancellor, prof. dr. Akihiro Iiyama, Head of the Centre for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Nanomaterials and prof. dr. Hiromitsu Nishizaki, Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Internationalisation.
During the visit of a Japanese delegation to the University of Ljubljana, prof. dr. Akihiro Iiyama today presented the latest research results on the production of green hydrogen using anion exchange membrane water electrolysis. The meeting at the UL Faculty of Mechanical Engineering was also attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Slovenia, Her Excellency Akkiko Yoshida, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, dr. Igor Papič and the Rector of the University of Ljubljana, prof. dr. Gregor Majdič.
“Although Japan may seem far away, cooperation with Japanese universities is very important as Japan is at the forefront of technological development in many areas. Cooperation with outstanding Japanese universities can bring great benefits to both the University of Ljubljana and Japanese partner institutions. The importance that the Japanese state attaches to the international cooperation of its universities is also demonstrated by the fact that the Japanese ambassador, who is interested in strengthening research and higher education cooperation between the two countries, has participated in several meetings with university representatives,” said the Chancellor of UL at the meeting.
The Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, prof. dr. Mihael Sekavčnik, expressed his satisfaction with the visit and emphasized the importance of international cooperation. “The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has long been committed to innovation and research in the field of sustainable development. I am delighted to be able to exchange knowledge and ideas with Japan’s top experts, particularly in the field of hydrogen technologies, which are key to our energy future. During the visit, we committed ourselves to establishing concrete joint initiatives at the level of research projects and student and researcher exchanges”.
The Japanese delegation was joined by representatives from the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Biotechnology, and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. The purpose of the meetings was to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in the field of staff and student exchanges and the implementation of joint activities and projects.
The University of Yamanashi is one of the leading universities in Japan. It consists of four faculties: Faculty of Education, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, and two postgraduate schools. It is also home to many research and educational institutions, such as the Centre for Hydrogen and Nanomaterials for Fuel Cells and the Institute of Oenology and Viticulture. The University is known for its cutting-edge research in hydrogen technologies and advanced materials. The University of Ljubljana and the University of Yamanashi have a general international inter-institutional agreement as well as cooperation within the framework of International Credit Mobility, which provides co-financing for student and staff exchanges between the two universities.
This visit is an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Slovenia and Japan and to exchange knowledge between the two universities.
