Division of Ocean Safety Systems Science
The Division of Ocean Safety Systems Science provides education and research programs which cover the fields of Water
Environment, Meteorology, Geology, Maritime Safety, Radiations and Particle Beam Science, Material and Analytical
Chemistry, and Mathematics, with paying the special attentions on the preservation of global and marine environment andsafety development and uses of the oceans, in order to achieve the sustainable development of the human society.

Education and Research Area

・Aquatic Environmental Science・Oceanography and Meteorology

・Ocean Safety Engineering・Radiation and Particle Beam Science・Ocean Fundamental ScienceCourses at Master’s Degree Program ( _: Courses in English)

・International Maritime Sociology
・Exercises for Marine Science and Technology
・Aquatic Environmental Science 1, 2・Conservation of Aquatic Environment 1, 2・Applied Oceanography 1, 2・Applied Meteorology 1, 2・Atmospheric Environmental Science 1, 2・Ocean Safety Engineering A1, A2・Radiation Science and Applications 1, 2・Comparative Planetary Science 1,2・Quantum Beam Science 1, 2・Climate Change and Natural Hazards in the 21thCentury 1, 2・Functional Materials Science 1, 2・Applied Mathematical Science A1, A2・Applied Mathematical Science B1, B2・Marine Geochemistry 1, 2
・Regional Environmental Science・Ocean Environment and Climate Studies
・Ocean Exploration Technology
・General Study of Ocean Floor Material
・General Study of Ocean Floor Physics
・General Legal Study of Marine Resources

Message from International Student
Mélody N. C.
Dumont

Université Paris Cité

FRANCE

1.Why did you choose the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University?
I choose Kobe University for my cotutelle because of its relationships and agreements with my French University. It was the occasion tostrengthen the links between those two institutions and to create new exchanges in my field, in geography.
Moreover, I had the opportunity to be guided by the Professor Christopher Gomez during my master degree and his expertise wasextremely helpful. I wanted to continue to work with him during my PhD and be my co-director.
2.How do you feel after enrolling at Kobe University?
I feel lucky enrolling at Kobe University! The staff is always very helpful, reactive, and kind, when I am in Japan or even in France. The University offers several
advantages to its student. For example, its documentary resources are very extensive, and it is a pleasure to visit its libraries. Kobe University campuses are also very
pleasant!
3.Please explain briefly what your research is.
My research focuses on the evolution of fluvial hydrosystem management in Japan since the Meiji era. As you know, Japan is prone to natural hazards and thearchipelago has developed several tools to protect its territory. The actual methods of post-disaster reconstruction, which are mainly based on engineering, come from acomplex history influenced by environmental, but also political, economic and social factors. All these factors have influenced the way Japan copes with natural disasters.
Through the case of Northern Kyushu’s disaster, which happened in July 2017, I analyse the actual post-disaster reconstruction choices and the role of each actor
involved in this process. The study of constructed facilities or newly spaces for citizens permit to understand the political, economic, and social visions actors apply to theterritory they reconstruct. It is also the opportunity to analyse the perception of inhabitants: how they receive, interpret, and take ownership of these visions. Thus, thestudy of post-disaster reconstruction policies is a way to understand Japanese society.
4.Do you have opportunities for cultural exchange?
I do have opportunity for cultural exchange, especially in my laboratory. I have the chance to share my laboratory with Japanese students and it is a real pleasure tointeract with them. Living in the dormitory of Kobe University also helps to meet new people.
5.What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue to work in research and teaching after my graduation. My first plan would be to have a job in Japan to continue my research in Geography.
6.What was your biggest culture shock after coming to Japan?
When I first came in Japan few years ago, I was pleasantly surprised of how Japanese people behave in public transport, waiting in line to enter in the bus or the train!
7.What are the appeal points of the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences for you?
It is fascinating to have the opportunity to work with researchers from different backgrounds. During my years in Université Paris Cité, I explored physical and humangeography. Being in the Graduate school of Maritimes Sciences is an occasion to explore new fields, and it is very stimulating.
In addition, the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences offers a great work environment to its students. When I am in Japan, I am very happy to participate to the life of
my laboratory and exchange with teachers and students.
8.Please give a message or advice to anyone who wishes to study abroad.
Studying abroad is a real opportunity for your professional, but also personal life. It is the occasion to meet new people, learn about culture, and open yourself to new
way of thinking. So, if you decide to go abroad, be open-minded and curious and it will help you to live exciting adventures.
as of June, 2023

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