On Monday, October 20, a delegation from the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, led by Dr. Vincent Michelot, Vice President for International Relations, visited our university. During the courtesy visit, the delegation was welcomed by Dr. Shiozaki Kazuhiro (President), Dr. Ohta Jun (Executive Director/Vice President), Dr. Maki Hisaji (Deputy Director, Strategic Initiative for Global Leadership Development), Prof. Gwénaël Rapenne (Division of Materials Science), and Assoc. Prof. Yasuhara Kazuma (Division of Materials Science).

 In the opening address, Dr. Shiozaki shared his vision that this agreement for double degree program would further expand the scope of collaboration between the two institutions, particularly in the Division of Materials Science.

 Following that, Dr. Michelot emphasized that people-to-people exchange in the academic field is the cornerstone of inter-university collaboration, including double degree programs. He expressed his expectations and vision for the further development of ties between the two institutions.

 After introductions from both sides, a lively discussion on future collaborations took place. Dr. François Roudier (Vice President for Research, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon) stressed the importance of exchange across academic disciplines and organizational boundaries while highlighting a unique aspect of the research structure in France, where researchers from various positions and institutions--such as National Centre for Scientific Research and universities--come together and work collaboratively in a single laboratory. Afterwards, Dr. Michelot and Dr. Shiozaki signed an agreement for double degree program.

 The delegation then toured facilities and laboratories specializing in Materials Science and Biological Science. During the tour, they discussed the possibility of various forms of exchanges with NAIST faculty members.

 This visit is anticipated to further promote active exchanges between the two institutions in the near future.