Dr. Chenevier, from the URA division reports about his secondment period (on leave from CNRS – France, from April 2014) at Okayama University. Entitled: “International Research Strategy at Okayama University, 岡山大学での国際研究の戦略について”. The “Conclusions and perspectives” section is partially based on a very dense set of data collected during fieldwork sessions and on a substantial batch of sustainable and large scale research achievements. It provides readers with a range of suggestions to concretely help Japanese Universities to stop the decline trend observed in the International rankings for 20 years. The trend is again recently reported in prominent Japanese Newspaper.

By relying on their very strong research potential, by undertaking substantial structural transformations in terms of improved flexibility and by actually implementing integrated Education and Research programs, Japanese Universities will significantly strengthen their power to return on the road of success.