Shinshu University is the one and only education and research institute in Japan that provides a foundation in this field, and thus, there are high expectations both domestically and internationally. We are establishing an academic field of fiber engineering, which integrates traditional craftsmanship of fiber technologies with advanced technologies. Additionally, we are producing innovative researchers and engineers who can lead the world in this field. These activities are important for establishing an elemental science and technology, which affects all aspects of life and is of an immense academic importance. To sustain a fundamental industry in the fiber engineering field,which is highly and internationally integrated and diversified, globalization of its education and research activities is urgently needed.
Shinshu University has successfully completed its term of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's COE Program (Center of Excellence in education and research) Fundamental Research Grant between fiscal years 1998 and 2002 for its "Advanced Fiber Science and Textile Technology" Program, and received a final evaluation of A+. We have continued to establish the 21st Century COE, "International Center of Excellence on Fiber Engineering" between fiscal years 2002 and 2006, and received a mid-term evaluation of A. Through these programs, we have been integrating the technology of "craftsmanship", which the traditional fiber industry has been cultivating, with the most advanced science and technologies in order to establish an interdisciplinary research field of "fiber engineering." In our endeavors, we have been working hard on globalization, including signing collaboration agreements with 21 major universities and research institutes in the field of fiber engineering to conduct exchanges of researchers and students as well as collaborative research projects.
Building upon these achievements, we are placing a heavy emphasis on education (in the Ph.D. program, in particular). We have been working to improve our educational system and curriculum in order to train our students to be researchers, engineers, and educators capable of leading the world in fiber engineering. One of our focuses is to improve students' ability to communicate, especially in the international arena, as our intent is to produce people who can make a significant contribution to society.