President’s Address for Entrance Ceremony
It is my great pleasure to welcome eleven new students to the Master's Program and threestudents to the Doctoral Program of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology. Onbehalf of all Shimane University professors and staff as well as the existing students here, I would
like to extend my sincere congratulations to you.
Of the fourteen students who enrolled this semester, twelve are international students. Dueto the infectious spread of COVID-19 and changes in the situation around the world, some ofthem have not been able to come to Japan. They were supposed to be here at the entrance
ceremony along with their family members to congratulate them on their enrollment. It is
unfortunate that not all of them were able to attend this ceremony.
Because of the infectious spread of COVID-19, the world has changed in a way that twoyears ago no one would had imagined. Universities around the world are devising ways tocontinue education and research activities under these circumstances. At Shimane University inthis academic year, we are conducting face-to-face classes for about seventy percent of all classes
while utilizing online classes. This is in order to ensure the health, safety and security of thestudents, faculty and staff members, as well as the continuation of your studies. Depending on thefuture situation of the infectious spread, you may experience some inconveniences. However, bypromoting digital transformation in education and enhancing the new living and learning
environment, we will strive to provide an environment so that you can learn to the fullest andconduct research that will lead to the creation and discovery of new knowledge. I assume that you
have expectations and concerns as you enroll in this university under these circumstances. If you
have any concerns, please consult your academic advisor or the Health Service Center. Shimane
University will fully support you, your studies and your research.
You enrolled in the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology with clear goals andenthusiasm for learning. You as a graduate student are expected to play a central role in leading
the production of knowledge and value creation in a knowledge-based society. Society is shifting
toward an era of with and post COVID-19, and to Society 5.0. Also, serious environmental
problems such as climate change are becoming more obvious. As such, the activities to realize
the SDGs and the establishment of a sustainable society toward carbon neutrality are issues that
we need to tackle urgently. In this social situation of increasing uncertainty, you are going to learn
more advanced fields in graduate-level programs based on the specialized knowledge acquired inyour bachelor's course. I would like you to place importance on how your studies are linked tosociety while you strive to acquire solid knowledge in your majors based on your own intellectualpursuit. I encourage you to gain an education in a broad range of subjects beyond your own major,
think and act proactively, and eventually acquire the ability to contribute to the creation of
innovation with the ability to think, manage and design. The value of the knowledge you acquire
will be highly appreciated when it is employed in the real world. It is my hope that the knowledge
you acquire will be widely utilized in society.
Shimane University aims to be “a unique university routed in the regional community andconnected to the world.” I hope all of you will look forward to the future, engage in learning witha broad perspective encompassing local to global views, and spend a fulfilling life of study here
while interacting with friends, faculty and staff members.
My best wishes for your success!
October 5, 2021
HATTORI Yasunao, Dr. Sci.
President of Shimane University