As part of Tohoku University’s Homecoming Day 2026, scheduled for Saturday, October 3 at the Tohoku University Centennial Hall (Kawauchi Hagi Hall), the university will host an award ceremony honoring recipients of the Tohoku University International Award and the Tohoku University International Alumni Association Award.
The Tohoku University International Award, established in 2022, recognizes individuals affiliated with Tohoku University who have significantly contributed to enhancing the university’s international visibility through their global efforts. The Tohoku University International Alumni Association Award is given to alumni associations overseas that have demonstrated particularly impactful and unique activities.
Starting in 2024, the International Award includes two subcategories: the Science and Technology Award and the Special Award. This year, five individuals and one organization have been selected based on a rigorous review by the Executive Committee.

International Award – Individual Category

Jemima Kibira 
Technical Lead and Co-founder, Afya Reach Limited (2019 –)
Ms. Jemima Kibira has been actively involved in promoting exchanges between Japan and Africa since her time as a graduate student at Tohoku University through her activities with the Association for Friendship between Africa and Miyagi (AFAM). As the Co-founder and Technical Lead of Afya Reach Limited, she has made outstanding contributions to strengthening healthcare systems across Africa by helping train more than 850 community health workers and establishing a digital referral network connecting over 5,000 community health units and healthcare facilities. Through these achievements, she has made a significant contribution to improving public health and healthcare delivery throughout the African region.

Ramsey Lundock 

International Publications Editor, Public Relations Center, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (2019 –)

After earning his doctoral degree from Tohoku University's Department of Astronomy, Dr. Ramsey Lundock joined the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), where he has played a leading role in public outreach and international communications. He currently serves as International Publications Editor at the Public Relations Center. Through his efforts in communicating cutting-edge astronomical research and promoting science communication worldwide, he has made remarkable contributions to the public understanding of astronomy.

Mu-Chang Shieh 

Adjunct Professor, Fu Jen Catholic University (2017–)

MOOC Instructor, National Chengchi University (2017–)

Dr. Mu-Chang Shieh has made distinguished contributions to the advancement of nuclear science and technology in Taiwan while dedicating many years to educating future generations at institutions including National Cheng Kung University, National Tsing Hua University, Chung Yuan Christian University, and the Chung Cheng Institute of Technology. He has also devoted decades to promoting academic and human exchanges between Japan and Taiwan. His lifelong commitment to academic development and international collaboration has significantly enhanced Tohoku University's global presence, making him a highly deserving recipient of this award.

International Award – Science and Technology Award

Yiguang Ju 
Robert Porter Patterson Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University (2013–)
After receiving his doctoral degree from Tohoku University, Professor Yiguang Ju conducted research and education at both the Institute of Fluid Science and the Graduate School of Engineering. He is currently the Robert Porter Patterson Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University and is internationally recognized as one of the world's leading researchers in combustion science, plasma science, and clean energy technologies. His exceptional scientific achievements and worldwide reputation make him eminently deserving of this award.

International Award – Special Award

Fumio Ohuchi

Specially Appointed Professor (Visiting), Global Strategy Office, Tohoku University (2022–)

Professor Emeritus, University of Washington (2022–)
Professor Emeritus Fumio Ohuchi of the University of Washington, who currently serves as a Specially Appointed Professor at Tohoku University, has devoted many years to promoting international academic exchange, educational collaboration, and the development of young researchers.　

In particular, he played a central role in establishing the undergraduate student exchange program launched between Tohoku University and the University of Washington in 1993 and contributed to pioneering collaborative online education initiatives. Through the publication of more than 70 internationally co-authored papers and the organization of 28 international symposia, he has facilitated academic exchange among more than 700 researchers and students, making a substantial contribution to the advancement of research. His activities through AOS have directly supported the development of early-career researchers and strengthened Tohoku University's international research capabilities. Furthermore, he has continued to play a leading role on international advisory boards and in Japan–U.S. collaborative research projects, sustaining the long-standing partnership between Tohoku University and the University of Washington.

International Alumni Association Award

Indonesian Alumni Association of Tohoku University (IATU)

The Indonesian Alumni Association of Tohoku University (IATU) has been recognized for its significant contributions in promoting Tohoku University’s academic strengths and attracting top international students, particularly through large-scale events aimed at high school students. Established in 2010, IATU has consistently organized impactful events and webinars that have gathered hundreds of participants. These efforts have broadened the university’s appeal in Indonesia, fostering strong connections between alumni and prospective students. Furthermore, IATU’s leadership has facilitated international collaboration by organizing bilateral meetings between Tohoku University and leading universities in Indonesia, thereby elevating the university’s global standing and expanding its reach.

These awards aim to recognize the global achievements of those affiliated with Tohoku University while encouraging alumni worldwide to deepen their connections with the university, fostering stronger international partnerships moving forward.