Hokkaido University is one of the oldest and most prestigious national universities in Japan. Established in 1876, Hokkaido is attended by over 18,000 students, including 2,000 international students from more than 130 countries. The University is well known for its strengths in natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering. The UMass Amherst connection with Hokkaido University runs deep: UMass Amherst and Hokkaido University have enjoyed a strong partnership since the late 1800s, when William S. Clark, the third president of Massachusetts Agricultural College (now UMass Amherst), helped establish Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University) and served as its vice president for eight months. Over the years, both institutions have grown and transformed, but the bond remains strong.
This past October, a team from UMass Amherst traveled to Hokkaido University to further these longstanding ties. The delegation consisted; of James Chambers, Director of Microscopy and Biomedical Imaging in the Institute for Applied Life Sciences, Elizabeth Garofalo, Educator III with UMass Extension Fruit Team, specializing in integrated pest management (IPM) for tree fruit, and Dave Follette, Director of the Advanced Digital Design & Fabrication and Device Characterization cores (ADDFab), with engineering expertise in 3D printing and mechanical design. Together, they engaged in a week of relationship building, facility tours, and knowledge sharing with their Japanese counterparts.
At Hokkaido University, the UMass team met with local experts, including Satoko Ishigaki, Technical Specialist in Sampling and Scoping Review at the Center of Infection-associated Cancer; Keita Suzuki, Technical Specialist in Instrument Analysis and Assessment at the Laboratory of XPS Analysis; Hiroki Masumo, Technical Specialist in Agricultural Food Production at the Experiment Farm, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere; and Taena Uemura, Senior Academic Specialist for International Collaborations. The delegation visited a range of facilities including the Global Research Facility Alliance Center, the Nikon Imaging Center, the Institute for Genetic Medicine, and the Faculty of Engineering, all designed to showcase Hokkaido University’s advanced research capabilities. A highlight of the trip was the visit to Yoichi Orchard, where the team met with Prof. Yoichiro Hoshino and his staff to learn about local orchard production practices and Dr. Hoshino’s haskap breeding program, gaining a hands-on perspective of Hokkaido’s agricultural research.
The visit served as an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange technical expertise, and identify opportunities for future collaboration. From joint research initiatives in imaging and instrumentation to discussions on IPM strategies for tree fruit, the UMass delegation deepened its understanding of Hokkaido University’s research infrastructure while strengthening the bonds between institutions. The experience underscores the importance of international partnerships in driving scientific innovation, and the team looks forward to building these connections in future projects that benefit both UMass Amherst and Hokkaido University communities. The Hokkaido University delegation will be visiting UMass Amherst in June 2026 to continue this collaboration.
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