On Wednesday, October 8, Dr. Cecile Vigouroux, Director of International Relations at the National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology (INRIA), visited NAIST. During the courtesy visit, Dr. Maki Hisaji (Deputy Director, Strategic Initiative for Global Leadership Development), Prof. Kasahara Shoji (Director, Division of Information Science) and Assoc. Prof. Uchiyama Hideaki (Division of Information Science) welcomed her.

In the opening address, Dr. Maki introduced our academic exchange agreements with overseas universities and institutions, and shared our vision for expanding student exchange while touching on the unique characteristics of our university, which operates exclusively as a graduate school.

Following that, Dr. Vigouroux introduced INRIA's nine research laboratories in France and their unique organizational structure, in which research is conducted on a project team basis, consisting of researchers from various universities. She expressed interest in the research conducted at NAIST and in the track record of collaboration between NAIST and French universities. She also conveyed her hopes for utilizing the various programs offered by INRIA.

After introductions from both sides, we engaged in a lively discussion on strengthening future collaborations between Japan and France. During the discussion, reference was made to upcoming events organized by INRIA to enhance Japan-France collaboration. There was also an emphasis on the potential to build a broader and stronger network in the future, based on the existing partnerships between NAIST and French institutions.

This visit will contribute to help further promote active exchanges between NAIST and French institutions in the near future.