About Us
Message from the Dean
Prof. Hitoshi Takamura
Welcome to the website of the Faculty of Engineering and the Graduate School of Engineering at Tohoku University.
Founded in 1919, our faculty has a history of over 100 years marked by numerous world-leading research breakthroughs. Today, it has evolved into Tohoku University’s largest center for education and research, comprising five departments—Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Electrical, Information and Physics Engineering, Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture—as well as 18 graduate programs. As the first University of Research Excellence (UREX1), Tohoku University is now expected to play a leading role in global research. The Faculty of Engineering and the Graduate School of Engineering, which serve as the core of this initiative, uphold the three principles championed by the university: Research First, Open Doors, and Respect for Practical Learning.
“Research First” embodies the belief that “the forefront of research is the best place for education.” Cutting-edge research can be described as a form of daily learning. Students do not merely absorb knowledge; they grow significantly by engaging in genuine research that tackles uncharted territories, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities such as the NanoTerasu. The role of “engineering”—which spans from cutting-edge research to its societal implementation—is more critical than ever. We conduct diverse research, including R&D in key next-generation fields such as decarbonization, AI, quantum technology, space development, and resilient infrastructure.
“Open Doors” reflects our commitment to welcoming diverse talent regardless of gender, nationality, or field of expertise. It is said that innovation arises where people with diverse cultures, expertise, and perspectives come together. We provide an environment where outstanding students and researchers from across Japan and around the world can gather and engage in mutual learning and growth. In fiscal year 2027, the Gateway College will be established as part of the UREX1 initiatives, further accelerating the environment for international collaborative learning.
Furthermore, the principle of “Respect for Practical Learning” asserts that “industry is a training ground for research, and new science and discoveries lie within its challenges.” We are also dedicated to returning research outcomes to society. Funding for joint research with private companies continues to grow at an annual rate of over 10%, and the number of “Co-creation Research Institutes”—where companies establish their research foundation within the university—associated with the Faculty of Engineering and the Graduate School of Engineering has reached 14 (Data as of April 1, 2026), the highest number on campus. Furthermore, by participating in these industry-academia collaborations, students can experience the front lines of social implementation while still in school and gain a tangible sense of contributing to societal challenges.
Technological evolution is advancing at a pace that exceeds our imagination, as symbolized by the rise of generative AI. However, no matter how much technology advances, “human” remains at its core. Driven by intellectual curiosity, we strive to produce engineers and researchers who fuse human wisdom with technology to pioneer a prosperous and open future.
We hope that this website for the Faculty of Engineering and the Graduate School of Engineering at Tohoku University will provide useful information to all our visitors.