Objectives of the Center

　In regional areas such as Shimane Prefecture, where population decline is becoming increasingly serious and the vitality of industry and the economy is weakening, efforts toward regional revitalization have become an urgent priority. In such regions, it is essential to actively utilize global flows of people, goods, and information, and to establish frameworks for developing human resources who can contribute to local industries and communities across national borders.
　In particular, providing students in science and engineering fields—both in Japan and abroad—with opportunities to experience different cultures, values, and cutting-edge research overseas is vital for fostering innovative research and nurturing the seeds of new business creation. Through these experiences, the program seeks to develop individuals who can contribute not only to regional industry and the economy, but also to cultural and academic advancement, thereby strengthening international competitiveness while promoting regional revitalization.
　Based on this vision, Shimane University has launched an international exchange project that jointly and intensively promotes human resource development, building on the cooperative relationships established with universities in India, and has established the Japan–India Global Education and Research Center as the core body for implementing the project.
　This project has been selected for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) FY2025 Inter-University Exchange Project: — Support for Inter-University Exchange with Global South Countries (Type I: India) and will be implemented over a five-year period from FY2025 to FY2029.
　Entitled “Strengthening International Competitiveness through the Japan–India Global Education and Research Center: Creating the ‘Shimane Model’ for Regional Revitalization,” the program aims to promote comprehensive human resource development through mutual student exchanges between Japan and India, in collaboration with the University’s partner institutions in India.

What is the Inter-University Exchange Project?

　"The Inter-University Exchange Project" is a support program implemented by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) since FY2011. The program aims to foster human resources who can thrive in a global society and to strengthen the international educational capacity of Japanese universities.
　Through initiatives such as promoting study abroad opportunities for Japanese students, accepting international students, and utilizing online education, the program supports efforts to develop high-quality international educational collaborations with universities in specific countries and regions.

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)　https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/kaikaku/sekaitenkai/
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)　https://www.jsps.go.jp/j-tenkairyoku/

Message from the Director

The Japan–India Global Education and Research Center (JIGER) was established in January 2026 as a strategic hub to build a structured Japan-India partnership framework and promote integrated advancement of education, research and human resource development. Building upon longstanding academic partnerships between Shimane University and Indian institutions, JIGER aims to move beyond individual collaborations and develop an integrated, scalable model of international engagement, one that can serves as a model for regional revitalization through global collaboration. 

To realize this vision, JIGER works closely with Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), and other educational and research institutions in India, while also promoting collaboration across all stakeholders - academia, industry, government agencies, funding bodies, municipalities and local communities. JIGER offers diverse cross-border learning opportunities through initiatives such as summer and spring schools, the joint issuance of digital certificates with IITH, the development of structured educational programs, co-supervised research programs and the effective use of hybrid and online learning. We are working to expand large-scale mobility programs that enable sustained student and faculty exchanges and deeper institutional integration.

By introducing internship opportunities in partnership with regional industries and municipalities, as well as international joint research initiatives, JIGER aims to cultivate globally minded individuals who are deeply committed to regional revitalization and social contribution. We encourage students and researchers to embrace new challenges and explore new worlds through JIGER’s programs. We sincerely believe experiences that bring individuals into contact with diverse cultures, perspectives and problem-solving approaches broaden intellectual horizons and strengthen the capacity for collaborative innovation. 

Through shared vision and collective effort, we aspire for JIGER to grow into a lasting platform that connects people, institutions and regions, serving as a bridge for academic excellence and sustainable development for generations to come. We warmly welcome all who share this vision to join us in building a collaborative and sustainable future together.

Assoc. Prof. Noothalapati Venkata Hemanth Nag    
    Director of JIGER