(From left) Professor KIMURA Shunsuke, Professor Edoardo ONGARO and President UENO Masao
Professor Edoardo ONGARO of The Open University in the UK paid a courtesy visit to President UENO Masao on June 10. He exchanged views with President UENO in the presence of Professor KIMURA Shunsuke, Dean of the Graduate School of Global Governance.
Professor ONGARO said, “In academic fields such as public administration, international collaboration with universities and academic associations in different countries is extremely important.” He described how he had learned English, French, Spanish, Italian and other languages and developed networks with researchers in various countries while pursuing comparative research in public administration. He also expressed a strong interest, in conducting his research at Meiji University, in Japanese art and culture, as well as in Japan’s history of incorporating Western civilization while seeking to integrate it with its traditional administrative systems.
In response, President UENO said, “Although international academic exchange also receives government support, Meiji University would like, on its own initiative, to deepen its partnerships with universities and institutions overseas in pursuit of the creation of knowledge.” He also outlined the history of the University’s founders, who carried on the ideals of Dr. BOISSONADE and made significant contributions to Japan’s modern legal system. He added, “To pass on to younger generations the ideas about legal and administrative systems that have developed in Europe and Japan, we hope to continue expanding international academic exchange.”
Professor ONGARO is scheduled to remain at Meiji University until early July. During his stay, he is scheduled to participate in research seminars with faculty members of the Graduate School of Governance Studies, Professional Graduate School, conduct joint research with Professor KIMURA, and deliver four special lectures on public services. Further development of academic exchange is anticipated.