Greetings from the Dean

Agriculture-related education and research institutions at Kyushu University consist of the Faculty of Agriculture (research body comprising the faculty members), the Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences (graduate education body), and the School of Agriculture (undergraduate education body).

The School of Agriculture of Kyushu University has an education system consisting of 4 courses covering 11 fields under the Department of Bioresource and Bioenvironment, in order to develop individuals with sufficient ability to explore issues in a balanced way, in addition to attaining internationally recognized expertise and knowledge of technology in various fields of study related to biological production, biological functions, and the biological environment. The 11 fields of study are diverse and include biology, chemistry, physics, and social science; constituting a comprehensive educational system that can be likened to a mini-university. Entrance examinations are in various formats such as written tests, essays, and interviews. We use a system that allows students to enroll in the school of Agriculture and then delay selecting their specialized courses and fields of study until the second half of the second year, when they will have been able to get an overview of the entire field of agriculture related subjects. This system also allows students to carefully consider their aptitudes based on various factors before selecting their specialisation. In addition to the regular course for domestic students, we have also established the International Undergraduate Course of the School of Agriculture, a course in which students can obtain a Bachelor's degree through classes taught in English, and which accepts both international and Japanese students. In FY 2021, a dual degree program was launched between our International Undergraduate Course and the Department of Biology at Northern Arizona University (USA). This program is unique nationwide in offering a science dual degree program at the undergraduate level. In addition, we have a short-term study abroad program for inbound and outbound students, and joint classes via the internet (COIL-type education) with overseas universities, to develop leaders with an international perspective.

The Graduate School of Bioresources and Bioenvironmental Sciences offers nine educational courses under four majors: Bioresource Sciences, Agro-environmental Sciences, Agricultural and Resource Economics, and Bioscience and Biotechnology. For the master's degree, each of the education courses trains researchers who have a high level of expertise as well as the ability to explore and solve problems using strategic planning, training highly specialized professionals who have a balanced perspective and flexible thinking skills. In addition, the doctoral program aims to develop outstanding researchers who are well-rounded and creative by further enhancing their expertise and internationality, as well as cultivating university teachers and other educators who will play leading roles in developing the next generation of researchers in biological resources and environmental science. In both master's and doctoral programs, we are devising selection methods to attract talented researchers with diverse abilities. In addition, we are working to promote the admission of adults who have already entered employment as well as securing excellent foreign students. Another characteristic of our school is the "International Course" where students can obtain their degree with a complete English curriculum.

The mission of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, is "By bringing together the wisdom learned from life, water, soil, forests, and the earth, and passing it on to the next generation, we will realize the evolving agronomics that aims to achieve the sustainable coexistence of mankind and the global environment." Through education and research on biological resources and the environment, international cooperation, and social cooperation, it aims to contribute to the stable supply of food and living materials, the conservation of the living environment, and the health and welfare of mankind. To this end, the four pillars of our research are (1) the new field of agro-life science, which aims at elucidating, utilizing, and creating biological functions on the basis of the rapid development of life science research; (2) the field of environmental science, which aims at building sustainable biologically harmonious and material-cyclical biological production and rural space systems that take biodiversity into consideration from the perspective of global environmental conservation; (3) the field of international agri-food systems, including biological resources, biological use, environmental conservation, and rural development, focusing on potential food productivity in the Asian monsoon region from the perspective of increasing food productivity in the medium to long term; and (4) the field of food science, which promotes the functionality and safety of food and the construction of reliable food supply systems based on social needs for food safety and security. As a research organization to which faculty members belong, the Faculty of Agriculture has four departments: Bioresource Sciences, Agro-environmental Sciences, Agricultural and Resource Economics, and Bioscience and Biotechnology. Under these departments, courses covering multiple research fields are provided. In addition to education and research activities to achieve the above goals, the institute is also actively engaged in social and international contributions.

Kyushu University's Vision 2030 has set forth a vision for DX: "We will develop data-driven education, research, and medicine that create new value one after another, and work to realize a future society that brings true affluence to its people". Since FY2022, to contribute to the achievement of this vision, the Faculty of Agriculture has started the "Digital Native in Agriculture (DNA) Human Resource Development Program, leading the DX-ation of the agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, food, and bio industries in the near future" as an educational DX initiative. Our goal is to develop individuals with expertise in agriculture together with a digital mindset and skills to overcome the global food and environmental problems that are the human challenges of the 21st century, and to contribute at a high level to the stable supply of food and living materials, the conservation of living environments, and the health and welfare of humankind. We continue to take on challenges in the areas of education, research, and social contribution.

Dean of Faculty of Agriculture
Dean of Graduate School of Bioresource
and Bioenvironmental Sciences
Dean of School of Agriculture
Kyushu University
(Professor, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology)

Miki Nakao