Joint workshop with RWTH Aachen explores resilient urban design, convergent institutional visions
The 7th Joint Workshop with RWTH Aachen University (RWTH) and Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) was held at the Skylounge, Mainbuilding of RWTH from March 2 to 4 under the theme of "Towards sustainable futures: exploring innovative approaches for resilient cities and communities."
Opening remarks were delivered by professor Ulrich Rüdiger, Rector of RWTH, and Jun-ichi Takada, executive vice president for global affairs of Science Tokyo. Afterwards, Yoshitaka Tsunoda, the Consul General of Japan in Duesseldorf, extended a warm greeting to the participants. Guest speakers from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) also shared information on research funding.
Associate professors Ryo Murata, Fuminori Nousaku, Takashi Asawa, and Fumihiko Omori, along with doctoral student Rika Niikura represented Science Tokyo at the event. They conducted presentations and met with researchers from "Built and Lived Environment (BLE)," one of RWTH’s interdisciplinary research platforms known as a "profile area." The topics discussed covered a broad spectrum of architecture-related topics: resilient regions and societies; construction using bio-based sustainable building materials; human-centered sustainable housing; and climate adaptation in living environments.
The final session on the second day featured a podium discussion to deepen understanding of Science Tokyo’s Visionary Initiatives (VIs) and RWTH’s profile areas. The panelists and the audience members explored the similarities and differences between the two approaches, potential areas of collaboration, and more. The third day’s itinerary included a group excursion to Maastricht to visit historical buildings and redeveloped industrial zones.
"It was a very fulfilling workshop, and I look forward to future developments," said one participating researcher on their expectations for research collaboration. Another shared their hopes for student exchange: "I had the opportunity to meet many RWTH researchers and was given a detailed tour of the architecture department's facilities. This has made me keen to encourage my students to study there."
Since its establishment in 2018, the Science Tokyo ANNEX Aachen has hosted similar joint workshops annually and fostered networking among researchers. Further expansion of exchange and collaboration between the two universities is highly anticipated, driven by the strategic partnership agreement signed by RWTH and Science Tokyo in 2025.
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Update history
- This article has been updated on April 30, 2026.