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The partnership between the University of Ljubljana (UL) in Slovenia and Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT) in Japan is reaching exciting new heights. As active participants in the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) program, both regions are collaborating within the Community of Practice for Agriculture and Innovation.
Throughout February and March 2026, a series of strategic meetings and faculty visits have laid the groundwork for expanded exchange programs, promising to transform opportunities for students and researchers alike.
A Strong Foundation in Chemistry
The relationship between KIT and UL is already yielding results. KIT currently holds a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology at the University of Ljubljana. Students are already taking advantage of the Erasmus+ program, facilitating seamless mobility between Japan and Europe.
Expanding Horizons: New Collaborations
Building on the success of existing ties, momentum is growing to extend this cooperation into broader scientific and research fields. Professor Yoichi Kumada from KIT visited Ljubljana in mid-March to present KIT’s international study and research opportunities to students. He is shown in the photo below with Ms. Tina Pezdirc Nograšek of the Regional Development Agency at the Ljubljana Region. Professor Yoichi’s presentation highlighted:
- The JoinTECH Programme: KIT’s flagship initiative for flexible international collaboration.
- KIT Summer School 2026: An upcoming program (July 9–24) in Kyoto focusing on bio-innovation through engineering.
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation: Outlining how the existing partnership can be expanded to include new research areas through the IURC programme.
High-Level Visits and Mutual Goals
The desire for closer ties is mutual. The University of Ljubljana expressed a strong ambition to increase exchanges with Japanese partners, even introducing other programs to support this goal. Further strengthening these ties, a senior official of International Liaisons at UL, is scheduled to visit Japan in late March.
Why This Matters
As student testimonials during Prof. Kumada’s visit underscored, these partnerships are about more than just travel. Interdisciplinary international cooperation is essential for tackling the global challenges of our time, including:
- Sustainability and Climate Change
- Food Security
- Bio-Innovation
By strengthening the bond between Slovenia and Japan, KIT and UL are ensuring that the next generation of researchers is equipped with a global perspective and the collaborative spirit needed to innovate for a better future. This progress marks a significant milestone for collaboration between the Ljubljana region and Kyoto Prefecture within the IURC.