Professor Taikan Oki paid a courtesy call as a Science and Technology Advisor to Minister of Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi

Professor Taikan Oki of the Department of Civil Engineering appointed as the Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on April 1st. He paid a courtesy call to Minister of Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi, the appointing authority, on the afternoon of April 8th. The Science and Technology Advisor supports the activities of the Minister of Foreign Affairs from a scientific and technological standpoint, strengthens cooperation with science and technology advisors and stakeholders in the field of science and technology in various countries, and advises the Minister of Foreign Affairs and relevant departments on the use of science and technology in the planning and formulation of various foreign policies. Professor Oki is the third to hold this position, following the first, Dr. Teruo Kishi (Professor Emeritus of UTokyo), who was appointed in September 2015, and Dr. Yoichiro Matsumoto (Professor Emeritus of UTokyo), who succeeded him in April 2020.
He stated his aspirations, saying, "I intend to make a significant contribution to the advancement of science and technology diplomacy in Japan based on my research experience to date and my practical experience as a current faculty member."