On June 6, 2025 (local time), Kobe University and Thomas Jefferson University, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote academic exchange and cooperation. The signing ceremony took place at the Scott Memorial Library at Thomas Jefferson University, with delegates from both institutions in attendance.

The agreement envisions a wide range of collaborative initiatives including student and faculty exchanges, joint research, co-hosted symposia, and shared educational programs—particularly in the areas of medicine, medical device development, and engineering.

Kobe University was represented by President FUJISAWA Masato, MURAKAMI Takamichi, Dean of Graduate School of Medicine, Professor MURAGAKI Yoshihiro, Graduate School of Medicine, and Project Professor GION Keiko, Graduate School of Medicine. Delegates from the Kobe City Silicon Valley Office and partnering industry stakeholders also joined the ceremony.

Thomas Jefferson University was represented by Dr. Susan Aldridge (President), Dr. Said Ibrahim (Dean of Sidney Kimmel Medical College), Dr. Matt Dane Baker (Provost) and Dr. Charles Pohl (Senior Vice Provost and Director of the Jefferson Japan Center), along with many other faculty members specializing in medicine and engineering.

In his speech at the signing ceremony, President Fujisawa emphasized, “This agreement is more than a document—it is a foundation for meaningful and sustainable collaboration. It will also contribute to the cultivation of globally-minded professionals.”

President Aldridge of Thomas Jefferson University expressed her sincere appreciation for Kobe University’s visit and welcomed the signing of a new memorandum of understanding. She highlighted the importance of advancing collaborative research in areas such as robotics and artificial intelligence, emphasizing their potential to enhance patient care and healthcare access.

During their stay in Philadelphia, the delegation also engaged in discussions on robotic surgery and medical design education. As Kobe and Philadelphia share a sister cities relationship, this agreement is expected to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and academic exchange between the two cities and their universities.

(Global Engagement Division)