2020.09.18

UEA et al. received the Japanese Society for Engineering Education, Engineering Education Award

Dr. Mami KATSUMI / UEA (University Education Administrator), Dr. Yoshiki MIKAMI / Specially Appointed Professor, Dr. Kazunori SATO / Specially Appointed Professor, and Dr. Osamu KUSAKABE / ex-Specially Appointed Professor (Auditor) were awarded the 24th Engineering Education Award of the Japanese Society for Engineering Education. Entitled “Global Development of Educational Programs based on SDGs Education and Practical Engineering Education” was awarded.

The Engineering Education Award recognizes achievements that have greatly influenced and contributed to the development of Japan's engineering education and engineer education through pioneering and innovative endeavors. The Engineering Education Award was recognized in five categories, including the MEXT's Award category, and this time it was awarded in the achievement category. The commendation ceremony was cancelled due to the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

After the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the candidate were the first to embark on developing engineering education programs that incorporated SDGs into consistent practical engineering education, and in 2017 developed the GIGAKU SDG Institute. In 2018, the Engineering Education Program was certified as a "UNESCO Chair on Engineering Education for Sustainable Development" by Japan's first UNESCO Chair program at an engineering university. In 2019, candidate proposed engineering education programs, which developed GIGAKU SDG Institute, focused on SDGs solving and practical engineering education. This program was proposed based on the discussions of the practical engineering education required in the age of internationalization with higher education institutions in Japan and overseas. These activities and development of education system were recognized and received engineering education award.

In 2019, the network which consists of ten institutions in six countries that share the same basic philosophy submitted UNESCO’s UNITWIN program jointly. This network that contributes to a sustainable society through engineering education was formed, and foundation of global development of educational programs based on SDGs education and practical engineering education was established.

GIGAKU SDG Institute
https://www.nagaokaut.ac.jp/e/annai/intro/sdg/education.html