On Friday, March 13, \u201cThe JIGE* 2026 Doctoral Colloquium Series with Penn State University**: Special Seminar\u201d was held in person and online at Tohoku University, with approximately 60 students and faculty members participating, including those from JIGE project partner universities.<\/p>\r\n
This year\u2019s colloquium series centered on the main theme of \u201cDisaster Science.\u201d Prior to the \u201cSpecial Seminar,\u201d a three-day \u201cTohoku University-Penn State Joint Field Tour\u201d was conducted. During the tour, 15 researchers and graduate students from both universities visited areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.<\/p>\r\n
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At the \u201cSpecial Seminar: Natural Disasters and Social Impacts; How to Prepare for Next Disasters,\u201d moderated by Professor Takeshi Kakegawa of the Graduate School of Science at Tohoku University, presentations were given by Professor Jun Muto of the Graduate School of Science at Tohoku University and Professor Kevin Furlong of College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State University. The presentations were followed by a lively discussion among the graduate students and faculty members from the participating universities. A similar discussion is scheduled to take place online at the end of March.<\/p>\r\n
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Tohoku University plans to continue hosting the Doctoral Colloquium Series under the JIGE framework in the next academic year and beyond.<\/p>\r\n
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