Research

Under the AILA Institute, aiming to be a driving force for innovative research, education, and community contribution rooted in the local region and extending to the global stage, we newly established the Creative Design & Data Science Center through collaboration between academia, industry, and government. We are conducting diverse research activities through collaborations with various academic institutions.

AIU Research Showcase

The AIU Research Showcase is an annual online event that gives our faculty and students the opportunity to share their regular research findings not only within the university, but also with the local community. In AY2022, in addition to presentations by 14 groups and 21 faculty members and students, we also welcomed presentations by researchers from our overseas partner universities, with 11 groups presenting. Presentations from AY2020 to AY2022 are available as archives on AIU’s website.

President’s Project Research

The President’s Project Research is a project established to support and promote interdisciplinary joint research among faculty members. Five projects were selected in AY2022, focusing on research with themes of regional contribution and problem solving. Presentations of their findings can be found in the AIU Research Showcase Archives.

Open Innovation Platforms for Industry-academia Co-creation (COI-NEXT)

In AY2022, our plan titled Value Creation Co-Creation Center for the Next Generation by Utilizing Forest Resources Developed through Technology, Education, and Design was selected for the COI-NEXT Co-Creation Area (Development Type). This project involves three public universities in Akita (Akita Prefectural University as the leading institution, Akita University of Art, and Akita International University) and private companies represented by Q0 Inc., and local governments, all leveraging their respective strengths to collaboratively shape the local community and drive societal transformation. The aim of this project is to develop human resources who can contribute to the region and create new industries by utilizing the abundant forest resources of the region as a pillar for business.

Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)

AIU participated as a collaborating university in a proposal submitted by Nagaoka University of Technology for the FY2024 “Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS),” which was successfully selected. Research units have been established in Mobility, Health, and DX/Data Science, where faculty members and student research assistants collaborate to advance interdisciplinary research. Furthermore, efforts are underway to strengthen the research capabilities of the entire university through new initiatives such as the “SX Meister Program” and the “L-LAB” digital fabrication space.

SX Meister Program

This program aims to cultivate individuals who possess both comprehensive knowledge and interpersonal skills gained through research activities and who are dedicated to advancing Sustainability Transformation (SX). While broadening their insights into advanced scientific fields such as space, quantum science, AI, and energy, students are required to work as student research assistants on J-PEAKS research activities for a specified period and to attend designated courses and workshops. Students who fulfill these requirements will be certified as an “SX Meister” upon graduation.

L-LAB

L-LAB was established by renovating an existing IT classroom as a digital fabrication space to turn problem-solving ideas into tangible form, and is equipped with the latest equipment such as 3D printers, a laser cutter, and a VR goggle. By providing students, faculty, and staff with an environment to instantly turn ideas into prototypes, the lab aims to revitalize creative learning and research activities.