Kyushu University School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation(ISI) signed a partnership agreement with Ukiha City, Fukuoka Prefecture, aiming to solve regional issues from a student perspective. This is the first partnership agreement that ISI has signed with a municipality. Established in 2018, ISI aims to nurture students capable of creating new value by collaborating with diverse people using interdisciplinary knowledge. Students will visit Ukiha City, engage with various local people, and utilize the academic methodologies learned at the university to tackle complex issues.

Ukiha City boasts many historic sites, such as decorated tombs and traditional building clusters, and is rich in history and natural environment, with thriving fruit cultivation. However, like many local municipalities, Ukiha City faces various challenges, including a shortage of industry workers due to population outflow.

Through this partnership agreement, students of ISI will gain various learning opportunities in Ukiha City and contribute to solving the city’s issues from student’s perspective.

Summary of Collaboration and Partnership Agreement

Date: March 26 (Wed.)

Details of collaboration:

1. Matters related to education and human resource development
2. Mutual utilization of resources held by the City and the University
3. Environmental improvement and community development of the City
4. Other matters deemed necessary by the City and the University

The relationship between ISI and Ukiha City

Until now, faculty members of ISI, have been involved in cultural properties such as ancient tombs. In 2024, students mainly ISI participated as "Ukiha City Children's Kofun (ancient tombs) Culture Guide Supporters," receiving great acclaim from the children who attended the event. Furthermore, in March 2025, workshop planned by students of ISI was held in Ukiha City. Taking this opportunity, ISI has signed an agreement to strengthen collaboration, aiming for the students of the School of ISI to be actively involved not only in cultural properties but also in various projects, policy formulation, and solving regional issues in Ukiha City.