On the occasion of its 118th founding anniversary and 100 years as a comprehensive research university, Tohoku University (Japan) held a ceremony to present the Tohoku University International Award and the Overseas Alumni Award. The ceremony took place on October 11, 2025, in Sendai, Japan, with the participation of many distinguished scientists and leaders from prestigious universities around the world.
Photo: Recipients of the Tohoku University International Award
The award ceremony was conducted in a solemn atmosphere and featured a presentation by Prof. Teiji Tominaga, President of Tohoku University, highlighting the university’s achievements and development orientation. Recently, the Japanese Government announced a large-scale national project aimed at developing Tohoku University into Japan’s leading world-class research university within the next 25 years, reaffirming its pioneering role in the country’s academic strategy.
Three scientists received individual awards and four representatives received institutional awards from countries and territories including Germany, Italy, Poland, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Taiwan. These awards recognize outstanding contributions to research, education, and international collaboration between Tohoku University and its global partners.
Photo: Prof. Nguyen Trung Viet receiving the Tohoku University International Award
Among the honorees, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet, President of Thuyloi University and a 2007 Ph.D. graduate in River and Coastal Engineering from Tohoku University, was recognized as one of the university’s most distinguished alumni for his remarkable efforts in fostering international cooperation and educational development. Since 2019, as the President of the Tohoku University Alumni Association in Vietnam (TUAAV), Prof. Viet has initiated and organized numerous academic seminars, scientific forums, and exchange programs, significantly strengthening the relationship between Tohoku University and Vietnam while enhancing the global reputation of Thuyloi University.
Photo: Prof. Nguyen Trung Viet delivering a speech at the award ceremony
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Nguyen Trung Viet expressed his great honor and pride in being recognized by Tohoku University, emphasizing that the award represents not only a personal achievement but also an acknowledgment of Thuyloi University’s growing academic reputation. He extended his sincere gratitude to Prof. Hitoshi Tanaka and Tohoku University, and reaffirmed his commitment to further promoting friendship and academic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, particularly between Thuyloi University and Tohoku University.
Photo: The certificate of the International Award granted to Prof. Nguyen Trung Viet
This year, Tohoku University continues to lead Japan’s higher education landscape and has received USD 105 million in research funding from the Japanese Government as part of a USD 7 billion national research initiative. In 2023, Japan launched the 10 trillion yen (approximately USD 67 billion) University Fund, one of the largest academic investments in decades, aimed at elevating a select group of universities into globally competitive research institutions. At the heart of this initiative lies Japan’s belief that its strong scientific foundation, stable funding mechanisms, and neutral geopolitical position can foster a new generation of world-class universities.
By 2024, Tohoku University, the nation’s third national university, became the only institution selected to receive the first round of this major funding – a decision widely regarded as recognition of Tohoku’s readiness for comprehensive academic reform. President Teiji Tominaga noted that the fund represents not only financial support but also a structural transformation, granting universities greater autonomy in governance and recruitment.
With this ambitious direction, Tohoku University continues to affirm its pioneering role in Japan’s educational and research reform while expanding its global engagement. As a long-standing partner of Tohoku University, Thuyloi University takes pride in accompanying Tohoku through academic exchanges, joint research, and high-quality human resource development. Both institutions look forward to deepening collaboration in engineering, water resources management, disaster prevention, and climate change adaptation, further strengthening the friendship and sustainable development between Vietnam and Japan.
Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation
Related news:
https://overseas-alumni.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/C21/view_news/MzY0NjO2AAA
