Research University
Enhancement Promotion Project

The Project and Kobe University's URA

　In 2013, Kobe University was selected by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as one of 22 institutions to participate in the Research University Enhancement Promotion Project, which provides ten years of funding.
　This project, part of Japan's Revitalization Strategy, aims to build a group of world-class research universities. Participating institutions are required to strengthen their research capabilities by appointing University Research Administrators (URAs) to enhance research management.
　In December 2013, six URAs were hired at Kobe University to begin supporting this mission. As of October 2024, eight URAs are currently working at the Office of Research Management.

▶MEXT Research University Enhancement Promotion Project(JP)
▶MEXT Research Capability Evaluation Metrics (PDF)(JP)

The Changing Environment for Universities

　Amid Japan’s escalating fiscal crisis and declining global university rankings, Japan’s national universities are facing mounting pressures. Direct funding is gradually decreasing, while competitive funding opportunities are on the rise, with a focus on universities that are implementing innovative and bold reforms. MEXT’s assessment of Kobe University under this project has also set a high bar for future expectations.

The following points underscore the actions Kobe University must take:

    1. Faculty, staff, and researchers must work as one to devise and implement         strategies for strengthening Kobe University’s research capabilities in line         with its mission to foster knowledge.

    2. The era of passively awaiting research funding has ended; researchers             now must proactively seek and compete for funding.

    3. Kobe University must offset decreasing grants by securing large-scale             competitive funding to sustain its research output and expand its financial         foundation.

    4. By sharing research outcomes globally and actively engaging in                     international collaboration, Kobe University must continue to enhance its         research reputation and capabilities.

We, the URAs, are committed to supporting Kobe University in achieving these goals by enhancing its research strength, funding acquisition capacity, international collaboration, and public outreach.