On 14 January 2025, the Tohoku University STEM Network (TUSTEM)
hosted a special Coffee Event featuring Prof. Hideo Ohno, the former President of Tohoku
University and a world-renowned physicist in the field of spintronics. The event provided
students with a valuable opportunity to learn directly from Prof. Ohno’s extensive
experience as a researcher, educator, and university leader.
In his talk, Prof. Ohno reflected on his tenure as President of Tohoku University and shared
insights into the major milestones achieved during that period. A central highlight of his
presentation was Tohoku University’s selection as the first university under "University for
International Research Excellence", a significant national recognition that reflects the
university’s strength in research, innovation, and global competitiveness. He also discussed
the strategic direction of Tohoku University, emphasizing its commitment to advancing
cutting-edge research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and nurturing the next
generation of researchers and leaders.
Following the presentation, the event continued with an open dialogue session, where
participating students actively engaged with Prof. Ohno through questions and discussion.
Students asked about his experiences as a student and researcher, his career path, and the
key decisions that shaped his journey to becoming President of Tohoku University. The
discussion also touched on leadership, decision-making, and navigating important career
choices. Prof. Ohno’s candid and thoughtful responses offered valuable perspectives for
students who are currently building their own academic and professional paths.
TUSTEM would like to express our sincere gratitude to Prof. Hideo Ohno for taking the
time to share his experiences and insights with us. We also thank all the students who
participated and contributed to the discussion.
Prepared by a TUSTEM leader, Jason F. Nyoto