Unique relationship

Nagasaki and the Netherlands have a unique relationship that dates back to the 17^th century, when for over 200 years the Netherlands was the only Western country that was allowed to trade with Japan, and Nagasaki was its only international port. Since its foundation in 1857 by a medical doctor in the Dutch Navy, Nagasaki University’s School of Medicine (the oldest medical school in Japan), has also had a close relationship with the Netherlands. Given this unique foundation history, Nagasaki University School of Medicine (NUSM) and Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) are keen to maintain and strengthen their collaboration.

Medical technology, infectious diseases and ageing

In terms of specific areas of expertise, medical technology, infectious diseases and ageing are areas in which both universities have complementary experience; this means that students with an interest in these areas can benefit from teaching that shows them different facets of the topic. For example, for ageing, the population cohorts and their medical care are studied intensively and are taught at Nagasaki while in Leiden attention is focused on the biomedical markers that predict biological ageing. For students wanting to gain a more complete education in ageing, the experience of doing internships or joining lectures given by experts will be a highly enriching experience.

NUSM focuses strongly on the development of its international research programmes.  Nagasaki students and staff already enjoy some mobility, but further increasing this mobility will improve the research collaborations. The planned exchange of Medical and Biomedical undergraduate students (bachelor’s and master’s students) will further strengthen the collaboration between the institutions, which has a history of more than 25 years. As specific research areas are identified as the priorities for the focus of the collaboration, it is important that staff and students can be exchanged each year between the two institutions.

Nagasaki University has established exchange agreements with more than 60 universities/institutes in the world, including Leiden University. Nagasaki’s Global Office focuses on both educational and research activities which will leverage Nagasaki University’s strengths. Their activities are mainly focused on developing global human resources and on interaction and cooperation with institutions both within and outside Japan. Through these activities, Nagasaki University strives to contribute to world peace and the welfare of mankind. Nagasaki has facilitated collaboration and promoted the publication of joint papers in international academic journals. This project fits well with the strategy as it entails collaboration and interaction between Leiden and Nagasaki; in addition, some research outcomes, especially within the field of ageing, may enhance life expectancy and welfare in general.