Delegates of Kanazawa University visited Irkutsk State University (ISU) from Dec. 12 to 14.
We visited Faculty of Chemistry at ISU and paid a courtesy visit to Vice Rector Alexander Schmidt. At the meeting with the faculty staff, we introduced mutual research projects and discussed the short-term exchange program for 2019. Then, we visited some laboratories.
We also visited Faculty of Biology and Soil Studies, which is within walking distance of Faculty of Chemistry. After introduction of the faculty, they showed us facilities. They enthusiastically introduced us summer schools to be held at ISU next summer, and invited KU students.
We found the campus very comfortable, seeing various interesting exhibits at each historical faculty building.
On Dec. 13, we visited some candidate sites for an excursion for Japanese students. Since Irkutsk is a sister city of Kanazawa, there is a street named “Kanazawa Street” and a replica of “Kotoji Lantern” which is seen at Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Irkutsk is somehow familiar to us.
We also visited Lake Baikal and Lake Baikal Museum, which are located within about 1 and a half hours driving distance, and learned about the ecosystem indigenous to Lake Baikal and its history. Irkutsk is an ideal place for students who study biology, geology, environmental studies, etc. because they can obtain abundant interesting research materials and ideal environments.
On Dec. 14, we visited the administrative building of ISU to make a courtesy call on the first vice rector in charge of research and international cooperation. Our President Yamazaki received the title of an honorary professor from ISU, and we mutually confirmed further development of our exchange.

Exhibits on campus

Kotoji Lantern in Irkutsk

Kanazawa Street

Title of an honorary professor was given to President Yamazaki.