【summary】
Saga University (President Node Koichi) welcomed His Excellency Jean-Eric Paquet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Japan, for an official visit and special lecture on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The visit aimed to strengthen academic and research collaboration between Europe and Japan and to encourage global perspectives among students.

Ambassador Paquet, accompanied by his wife, Catherine Tireau-Paquet, and their delegation, paid a courtesy visit to President Node. During the meeting, President Node introduced the University’s vision “Shaping the Future through Wisdom in Action,” and highlighted its achievements in educational and research exchanges with European universities, including the University of Almería (Spain) and Vienna University of Technology (Austria). He also mentioned cultural initiatives such as the “SPACE-ARITA” program at the Arita Campus, expressing hopes for further collaboration. Ambassador Paquet introduced Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation program, emphasizing its role in promoting academic exchange between Europe and Japan.

Following the meeting, Ambassador Paquet delivered a special lecture titled “The EU in the World and EU-Japan Relations.” He provided an overview of the EU, shared insights on its values, its role in the international community, and the growing partnership between the EU and Japan. He also encouraged students to explore study opportunities in Europe. The lecture concluded with a lively Q&A session.

To conclude the visit, the Ambassador Paquet toured the International Exhibition Room, where Saga University showcased its unique research initiatives. Director Goto Fumiyuki of Center for Bio-resource Education and Research explained integrated agricultural and fisheries research spanning from the mountains to the sea. Director Ikegami Yasuyuki of Institute of Ocean Energy demonstrated the OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) educational device, explaining the power generation mechanism and the complex energy utilization. Director Ikegami also referenced his recent keynote speech at COP30, underscoring the university’s commitment to combating climate change and achieving a decarbonized society

Saga University regards Ambassador Paquet’s visit as an important opportunity to deepen collaboration with universities and research institutions in EU countries, promoting educational and research activities that contribute to solving regional challenges and achieving global sustainability goals (SDGs).

　　　　　　　　Ambassador Paquet (left) and President Node (right)

Group Photo: Ambassador Paquet and Their Delegation with the Presidents of Saga University

　　　　　　　　　　　　　Lecture by Ambassasor Paquet

 Director of Center for Bio-resource Education and Research (back right) Explaining the Center’s Mission during the Lecture

Explanation of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion by Mr. Ikegami, Director of Institute of Ocean Energy (left)

【contact】
　Office for International Planning
　TEL: 0952-28-8166 mail: kokusai@mail.admin.saga-u.ac.jp