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The world is currently undergoing a period of literal upheaval. The framework of international cooperation is undergoing fundamental changes and demands new responses. At the same time, global issues such as the spread and advancement of AI and digital transformation (DX), climate change and decarbonization, disaster preparedness, and the development of sustainable infrastructure and urban planning must be addressed, while transforming existing industrial structures is needed. Within Japan, in addition to these global movements, urgent action is required to address population decline and the aging society with a declining birthrate. For those of you entering undergraduate and graduate studies, these challenges and responses will become lifelong themes, and you will undoubtedly encounter new and unforeseen issues as well.
So, what should you aim to become at the Faculty of Engineering and the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Fukui? The answer is a “Global Imagineer.” The term “Imagineer” is a coined word that combines “Imagine” and “Engineer.” In other words, a Global Imagineer is an engineer who envisions dreams from a global perspective and brings them to life. What is the essential role of an engineer (technical expert or researcher)? It is to devise, design, and deliver useful products or solutions to society. Using natural sciences as a foundation and applying specialized knowledge, engineers design and realize practical solutions that address the wide range of challenges faced by the world and Japan, as denoted above.
To put it more simply, a Global Imagineer is someone who imagines, “Wouldn’t it be great if we had something like this?” or “If we could create something like that, it would make many people happier,” and then uses everything they’ve learned in undergraduate and graduate studies to actually design and bring it to fruition in society—on a global scale. The dreams you envision should, of course, include your own future, but also encompass the lives and societies of people around the world who will benefit from the ideas and technologies you develop.
To help you grow into a Global Imagineer, the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Fukui will support you with full commitment. Beyond classroom lectures, we offer hands-on experiments, practical training, and research activities in laboratories to help you develop. The undergraduate Faculty of Engineering is organized into five departments (Mechanical and System Engineering, Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Biotechnology, and Applied Physics), offering 11 courses. The Master’s Program in the Graduate School of Engineering is divided into three majors (Industrial Innovation Engineering, System and Infrastructure Engineering for Safe and Sustainable Society, and Fundamental Engineering for Knowledge-Based Society), offering 14 courses. The Doctoral Program is integrated under the Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Technology. Altogether, about 3,000 students are enrolled, making the Faculty of Engineering one of the largest among national universities on the Sea of Japan side.
The undergraduate Faculty and Graduate School of Engineering are supported by various affiliated centers and organizations that promote education and research, such as the Center for Innovative Research and Creative Leading Education, the Technical Division of the Faculty of Engineering, the Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Research Center for Fibers and Materials, the Research Institute of Nuclear Engineering, the Research Center for Development of Far-Infrared Region, the Headquarters for Carbon Neutral Initiatives, the Institute for Global Engagement and etc. These units work together to contribute to society through education and research.
Fortunately, the University of Fukui has held the No.1 ranking in actual employment rate among national universities with multiple faculties for 17 consecutive years. The Faculty of Engineering has also consistently maintained a high employment rate. Moreover, the turnover rate within three years of employment is remarkably low. This suggests that our graduates—Global Imagineers—are not only highly capable, but also continue to pursue their dreams even after joining the workforce.
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Fukui traces its roots back to Fukui Higher Technical School, established in 1923, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in December 2023. The first principal of the school, Dr. Moriharu Seki, promoted a school culture in which faculty and students shared a close, family-like relationship based on his belief that “Education is passion, love, and inspiration.” This tradition continues today, and the Faculty of Engineering maintains a close-knit atmosphere between students and staff. We sincerely hope that you, too, will follow in the footsteps of your predecessors, grow as a Global Imagineer, and make a meaningful impact in society.
