On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the annual Tohoku University International Award and International Alumni Association Award Ceremony was held at the Tohoku University Centennial Hall (Kawauchi Hagi Hall) as part of this year’s Homecoming Day celebrations. On stage, Vice President Prof. Fumihiko Imamura introduced the awardees and their achievements, while President Teiji Tominaga presented the awards. The event took place before an audience of more than 250 people, including professors, students, alumni, and the recipients’ family members. In his congratulatory speech, President Tominaga emphasized that the recipients’ activities perfectly embody Tohoku University’s philosophy and mission to contribute to society through excellence in education and research. He expressed his sincere respect and gratitude for their global accomplishments and highlighted the University’s continued need for their support in its future development.

This year’s distinguished winners came from all over the world. For the International Award – Individual Category, the recipients were Prof. Dr. Heri Hermansyah (Indonesia), President of Universitas Indonesia, and Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet (Vietnam), President of Thuyloi University and President of the Tohoku University Alumni Association of Vietnam. For the Science and Technology Award, the honorees were Prof. Osamu Terasaki (Japan), Professor and Director of the EM Centre at ShanghaiTech University, and Prof. Davide Bassi (Italy), Professor of Paleontology and Paleoecology at the University of Ferrara. For the Special Award, the recipient was Prof. Tomasz Dietl (Poland), President of the Management Board and Group Leader at the Research Foundation MagTop. Finally, for the International Alumni Association Award, there were two winning associations: the Tohoku University Taiwan Alumni Association, represented by its president Mr. Justin Chen, and the Tohoku University Alumni Thailand (TUAT), represented by its president Prof. Juthatip Wiwattanapantuwong.

(Article: Winners Announcement of Tohoku University International Award and International Alumni Association Award )

The group photo・From the left：Prof. Tomasz Dietl、Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet、Prof. Dr. Heri Hermansyah、Vice President Prof. Fumihiko Imamura、President Prof. Teiji Tominaga、Prof. Osamu Terasaki、Prof. Davide Bassi、Mr. Justin Chen and Prof. Juthatip Wiwattanapantuwong

After the award ceremony, the seven recipients gave their speeches before the reception, which was attended by more than 120 people. Moderated by International Exchange Officer Mr. Davide Bitti, they shared anecdotes from their time at the university and spoke about their many years of dedication to serving as bridges between their home countries and Japan, especially with Tohoku University. Vice President Prof. Imamura then presented them with original Tohoku University goods, among which the plush toy of the famous mascot Kenichi particularly stood out. The party began with a heartfelt toast by Executive Vice President Prof. Toshiya Ueki. Many students from the awardees’ home countries joined the celebrations and had the valuable opportunity to exchange opinions and questions with them.

The awardees were honored during the Homecoming Day celebrations

On Sunday, October 12, some of the awardees also took part in the annual Tohoku University International Festival (TUIF). After a talk show on stage, where they answered questions about their experiences and careers posed by Mr. Davide Bitti, they had the chance to engage with current international students, enjoy the food they prepared at the international food stalls, and applaud their performances on the event’s main stage. It was a wonderful opportunity to inspire the new generations and to be inspired by their youthful spirit.

The talk show with some of the awardees during the 2025 edition of the Tohoku University International Festival

The Tohoku University International Awards and International Alumni Association Awards were established as part of the commemorative projects for the 115th anniversary of the founding of Tohoku University and its 100th anniversary as a comprehensive university, with the aim of strengthening cooperation with overseas alumni and stakeholders. The Tohoku University International Awards are presented to individuals who have contributed to improving Tohoku University’s international presence through their activities, and the International Alumni Association Awards are presented to international alumni associations who have led outstanding initiatives. The winners of the “Tohoku University International Alumni Award” were officially announced on July 23 on Tohoku University’s official online platforms.

(Article: Winners Announcement of Tohoku University International Award and International Alumni Association Award )

Many students from the awardees’ home countries joined the celebrations