Shinshu University

Objectives

Aims:

To build upon our success in the 21st Century COE program, "Advanced Fiber Science and Textile Technology" Shinshu University is establishing a Global COE Program to continuously expand and deepen this subject matter. This Center integrates traditional fiber engineering with the most advanced science and technology to create novel nano fibers, which utilize molecular level structure control, and higher-order complex functions, which utilize multi-dimensional hierarchical structure control. We are developing a fiber engineering field, which encompasses a wide range of technologies such as fiber manufacturing, sensibility evaluation, and resource recycling. As we carry out our endeavors through international collaborations, we are creating a new lifestyle and culture that embrace all aspects of life. Our Center trains students to be world-class researchers and engineers through the most advanced research activities. Additionally, we strive to establish ourselves as a hub of functions and information in order to leverage networks of people and technologies, and thereby, contributing to the development of the fiber industry.

Necessity and Importance of Our Center:

The importance of the textile industry, which Japan has led, is rapidly increasing as a fundamental industry for many other industries through numerous innovations in the advanced materials field. Textiles have always been indispensable for human beings, and remain so today. Thus, textile engineering forms an important engineering field, which supports fundamental industries spanning from clothes and foods to housing. In light of the globalization of the textile industry, the establishment of a core international education and research center of fiber engineering, which spans from nano fibers to fiber materials already commercialized, is urgently needed. The Department of Textile at Shinshu University, which is uniquely positioned to fulfill the objective, makes use of both traditional craftsmanship, which has a long history in Japan, and advanced science and technologies.

Expected Outcome from Our Center:

Our Center is already the one and only international center in the fiber engineering in Japan. A center of our caliber should make broad contributions to interdisciplinary academic fields by surpassing the traditional framework of science, engineering, medical science, and agriculture. Our recent activities encompass all four strategic science and technology fields indicated by the Japanese government, which include life science, information technology and telecommunications, environment, and nano technologies. Our contribution is immense to both the direct and indirect advancement of all advanced technology industries, and strengthens Japan's competitiveness in the international market in addition to increasing employment opportunities in Japan.