Delegation from the School of Information Management, Nanjing University (including Dean and Professor Lei Pei) Visits the Kasuga Area of the University of Tsukuba
On August 4, 2025, a delegation from the School of Information Management, Nanjing University (NJU), led by Dean and Professor Lei Pei, visited the University of Tsukuba. The delegation consisted of three faculty members and thirteen students.
Nanjing University is highly regarded both domestically and internationally in the field of information management, with a long-standing record of education and research in archival studies, library science, and information resources management. Like the University of Tsukuba, NJU is a member of the international “iSchools” consortium, and further academic collaboration between the two institutions is anticipated.
During the visit, an exchange program titled “Nanjing-Tsukuba Global Learning Program on Big Data” was held. The morning session began with an introduction to the University of Tsukuba by Professor Atsuyuki Morishima, Dean of the Institute of Library, Information and Media Science, followed by two special lectures in English delivered at the Media Hall by Associate Professor Kei Wakabayashi and Associate Professor Shuhei Yamamoto.
In his lecture, “Topic Modeling for Understanding Big Data,” Associate Professor Wakabayashi introduced the fundamental concepts of topic modeling as well as recent research on its integration with artificial intelligence.
In “The Convergence of Big Data and Behavioral Economics,” Associate Professor Yamamoto presented decision-making analyses using competitive programming data and large language models (LLMs) from a behavioral economics perspective.
Both lectures were conducted in an interactive format with active Q&A sessions. NJU students listened attentively and engaged in lively discussions with the speakers.
At lunchtime, a meeting was held among faculty members from both universities, where they exchanged ideas on academic collaboration and potential future partnerships. In parallel, students from the University of Tsukuba’s degree programs in informatics and NJU students participated in a student exchange session. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, they shared perspectives on their cultures and studies, creating a valuable opportunity to foster global awareness.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the University of Tsukuba Gallery and the Central Library to learn about the university’s academic resources. They also toured the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center’s Space Dome, one of Tsukuba City’s most prominent research facilities, gaining insight into the region’s cutting-edge science and technology.
Through this visit, the international ties in education and research between the two universities were further strengthened, paving the way for continued development of academic exchange in the future.
Group photo of Nanjing University and University of Tsukuba members at the Media Hall.
Lecture by Associate Professor Yamamoto.
An NJU student actively asking questions to Associate Professor Wakabayashi
Center right: Prof. Lei Pei, Dean of the School of Information Management, NJU; Center left: Prof. Atsuyuki Morishima, Dean of the Institute of Library, Information and Media Science.
Student exchange session.
Commemorative photo in front of the statue of Jigoro Kano.
Tour of the Central Library.
The H-II rocket on display at the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center photo spot.