Waseda University Staff Development Program 2012 at UQ

This year The University of Queensland hosted a staff member from Waseda University, Japan, in association with the Waseda University Staff Development Program 2012. Mr Kotaro Shibata, Research Support Section, Centre for Science and Engineering, Administration and Technology Management was chosen as the successful candidate and recently completed a three month program (27/8-23/11).

Mr Shibata’s role at Waseda University is largely to manage external research funds and negotiate contracts in research agreement and administration of collaboration between industries and universities. The expected outcome of the program was for Mr Shibata to broaden his knowledge of the research administration area and experience UQ systems and procedure so that he can return to Japan and compare Waseda’s to help improve and/or suggest changes to enhance their existing systems.

Mr Shibata’s internship, organised by UQ International, commenced with a 10 week intensive English language course at ICTE-UQ which helped him to improve his already advanced English language skills, ensuring the maximum benefit was gained from his internship.

Mr Shibata then spent a week working with Mr Ian Harris, Director, Research Partnerships Office and Ms Nicole Thompson, Research Management Office to help him gain an understanding of UQ’s Research Management Systems. Mr Ian Harris said that “Kotaro’s visit was a very special opportunity to learn about research management at Waseda University. We were very impressed with his capacity to gain a quick understanding of our research management system. Both universities benefited a great deal from his visit, because of his enquiring mind and his excellent analysis.”

Mr Shibata also completed two weeks work experience in the Faculty of Science with Dr Beryl Morris, Business Development Manager. During this time he visited several departments within UQ including UniQuest, TERN, UQ Graduate School and TetraQ. Dr Morris said that “observing models that encourage research collaborations was high on Kotaro’s list of interests for his two weeks in the Faculty of Science. I do not think either of us anticipated that by the end of the two weeks, we would be planning our own collaboration - a paper on cross-cultural issues related to research management of collaborations using our collective experiences at Waseda University and UQ. I think the internship was such a valuable experience for both of us and I am glad we had an opportunity to participate. I still cannot believe how quickly the time disappeared! ”

At the completion of his program, Mr Shibata delivered a report to UQ staff that contributed to the organisation of his program. Mr Shibata said that “I was able to strengthen my language skills and knowledge in research administration during my three month stay at The University of Queensland. It was a most rewarding time that allowed me to examine the differences between The University of Queensland and Waseda University in terms of research administration, as well as to gain some useful tips on further improving operations at Waseda University”.

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