Ichiro Tsuda, Professor
Chubu University Academy of Emerging Sciences:
“The universe is written in the language of mathematics.” These are the words of Galileo Galilei. Today, mathematics is indispensable not only in the natural sciences, including life sciences, but also in the humanities and social sciences. Mathematics has been used in the information revolution, supporting innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), and has also formed the foundation of manufacturing.
As we enter an era in which mathematics is needed across various disciplines, the Chubu University Academy of Emerging Sciences, led by Professor Ichiro Tsuda, has invited Kyoto University Distinguished Professor Shigefumi Mori (Chubu University Distinguished Guest Professor, 1990 Fields Medal Recipient), former Hokkaido University President Keizo Yamaguchi (Chubu University Executive Advisor) and others to work on the creation of a great hub of mathematics. In terms of research, the group is leading large-scale research projects, such as CREST and Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas. Young researchers also are actively involved in the exploration of mathematics of the brain and mind, mathematics of chaos, and mathematics of complex systems. Results in these areas have formed the foundation for further investigation into principles of new AI. In terms of education, activities such as the JST Mathematics Caravan for high school and junior high school students provide opportunities for young students to experience the world of cutting-edge mathematics.
As part of the reorganization of the College of Engineering in 2023, a center for AI, mathematics and data sciences, named “Center of Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science” was established in 2021. In conjunction with the Mathematics and Data Science Education Program organized by MEXT, we will continue to develop education and research to “apply mathematics” in a variety of areas.
Highly-Evaluated Research Capabilities
At Chubu University, each researcher makes efforts to obtain funds for research by applying for Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI). In fiscal year 2020, the selection rate for the “Scientific Research B” category was particularly high, and we are expecting this to translate into outstanding research results in the future.
In addition, through the generosity of the late Dr. Sanae Ito, one of Japan’s leading physicists, we have established the Sanae Ito Memorial Fund. Through this fund, we will support women researchers and female students who will lead original academic research activities in the future.
Chubu University has also been recognized in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021, which ranks educational and research capabilities of approximately 23,000 institutions of higher education around the world. Chubu University was ranked in the 1001+ category (8th among private universities in Japan). Additionally, in the international science magazine Nature, Chubu University was ranked 55th out of all universities and 15th out of all private universities, using the Nature Index 2020, which independently selects and ranks universities and research institutes that have published papers in one of 82 highly respected scientific journals.