Tohoku University’s TMU Gateway Week Marks a New Milestone in Long-Standing Partnership

Professors and students from the Graduate Program in Food Science (GP-Food), School of Agricultural Science, visit TMU College of Nutrition for the first time!

Tohoku University is one of the key international partner institutions to the College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University (TMU). Over nearly two decades of close collaboration, the two universities have maintained an active exchange relationship in the fields of nutrition and food science. Through the Sakura Science Program and the ROIS Scholarship provided by Tohoku University, more than 90 students from the TMU College of Nutrition have participated in short-term academic exchange programs at Tohoku University, further strengthening the global connection between the two institutions.

In 2025, the partnership reached a new milestone as the School of Agricultural Science at Tohoku University led its first delegation to visit the TMU College of Nutrition. Led by Professor Tomonori Nochi, Professor Afifah Zahra Agista, and Professor Saeka Koyama, the delegation included five master’s and doctoral students from Tohoku University’s interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Food Science (GP-Food). The week-long academic and cultural exchange, held from November 3 to 7, 2025, was titled “Tohoku University TMU Gateway Week,” also known as the “Mushan Project (拇山計畫)” of the TMU College of Nutrition.

Photo: Group Photo of Tohoku University Faculty and Students with the College of Nutrition

During the visit, the TMU College of Nutrition curated a comprehensive program of lectures and site visits to introduce the delegation to TMU’s academic strengths, research capacity, and Taiwan’s current developments in food science and industry technologies. Activities were designed to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration among faculty and students from both universities.

Student Exchange & EMI Engagement
As part of the student exchange program, participants from both universities delivered oral research presentations to share their latest findings and academic progress. To provide the visiting students with an authentic experience of campus life at TMU, they were also invited to join the College’s regular Overseas Study Sharing Session, themed “Tohoku University Sakura Science Program and ROIS Program.” TMU students who had participated in the programs shared their learning experiences and reflections in English, highlighting the College’s ongoing efforts and outcomes in promoting EMI (English-Medium Instruction) and bilingual education.

Interdisciplinary Co-Teaching & Research Exchange
To strengthen cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the delegation visited TMU’s Core Facility Center at the Office of Research and Development, where they learned about TMU’s advanced research infrastructure and resources. Faculty members from the School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, the School of Food Safety, and the Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences delivered lectures and facilitated discussions on interdisciplinary research topics spanning nutrition medicine, functional foods, disease, metabolism, and food safety.

Given that the GP-Food visiting group included a student from dentistry, Professor Kuan-Chou Lin from TMU’s School of Dentistry was specially invited to join the teaching and discussions. Course topics covered a broad spectrum, including applications of coix seed (Job’s tears) extracts in gynecological conditions, the effects of matcha on fatty liver disease, hypothalamic insulin resistance and neuroinflammation mechanisms, food texture and safety risks, as well as oral cancer and treatment strategies. These sessions aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of key research areas and inspire new opportunities for future cross-institutional collaboration. Professor Nochi also took the opportunity to participate in teaching the College’s core course, “Research Methodology.”

Industry Linkage & Cultural Visits
To encourage innovation and industry engagement, the visiting graduate students formed a team to participate in the College-hosted competition, “Foodture Start! 2025 Innovative Health Food Product Development Competition,” where they exchanged ideas and perspectives with TMU students. Their proposal—recognized for both creativity and practical relevance—advanced to the finals. The team presented their novel research concept through a poster presentation and ultimately received the Bronze Award!

Photo: Tohoku University Graduate Students Receiving the Bronze Award at the 2025 Innovative Health Food Product Development Competition,
posing for a Photo with Dean Hong-Rong Hsieh (first from the right).

Beyond the intensive academic schedule, the College organized an off-campus visit to Yilan, where the delegation toured a local fermented food factory and a whisky distillery. The trip provided insights into Taiwan’s food processing industry and the region’s local culture and tourism development.

Building Friendship Through Exchange
Throughout the week, faculty and students from both universities not only shared research ideas and expanded their academic horizons, but also built strong friendships through meaningful interaction. On the final day, the visiting delegation surprised the TMU community with a song-and-dance performance to express their appreciation. They also shared memorable observations from their time in Taipei—such as seeing people wearing down jackets at 25°C, and being delighted to find that convenience stores allow pets—bringing warmth and laughter to the farewell gathering.

Photo: Tohoku University Faculty and Students Prepare a Song-and-Dance Performance for the College of Nutrition.

The TMU College of Nutrition looks forward to continuing and deepening its partnership with Tohoku University. This exchange not only reinforced the strong ties between the two institutions, but also created lasting memories and opened new possibilities for future collaboration in education, research, and industry engagement.

(By College of Nutrition, TMU)