Ambassador of Japan to Lithuania Visits LSMU: Cooperation in Research and Studies Discussed

On 8 April, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) welcomed the Ambassador of Japan to Lithuania, Shinsuke Shimizu, and Yoshii Yumiko, Head of the Economic Section at the Embassy of Japan.

The guests were received by Prof. Rimantas Benetis, Rector of the University; Prof. Juozas Kupčinskas, Vice-Rector for Research; Prof. Indrė Čeponienė, Vice-Rector for Studies; Prof. Renaldas Jurkevičius, Director General of LSMU Hospital Kauno Klinikos, and Prof. Ingrida Janulevičienė, Dean of the International Relations and Study Centre.

In welcoming the guests, the Rector expressed his appreciation of the long-standing cooperation with Japan and briefly outlined the University’s key strategic directions.  

“Japan is an important partner for us in developing joint research that may, in the future, evolve into business initiatives”, said the Rector.

Ambassador Shinsuke Shimizu thanked the University for the warm reception, highlighting the importance of scientific progress in Lithuania and expressing a desire to further strengthen cooperation.

“I closely follow the scientific progress demonstrated by Lithuanian researchers, and it is truly encouraging. Your approach to research is proving successful. Particularly important is the collaboration with business and industry, as it creates opportunities to achieve even more,” the Ambassador noted.

At present, partnerships are being developed with five Japanese universities. Prof. Juozas Kupčinskas, Vice-Rector for Research, emphasised that several joint research projects are already under way. Just a month ago, an LSMU delegation met with representatives of Tokai University, with whom, since 2025, they have been successfully implementing a project aimed at developing an artificial intelligence-based tool for the early detection of gastric cancer using endoscopic techniques.

Currently, seven Japanese nationals are studying at the University, and most recently, an additional group of eighteen students from the International University of Health and Welfare (Japan) arrived for a short-term placement. They will spend a month studying under individually tailored programmes and had the opportunity to share their first impressions with the Ambassador.

Prof. Indrė Čeponienė, Vice-Rector for Studies, highlighted the diligence of Japanese students and noted that exchanges could be further expanded to include academic staff.

The meeting between University representatives and the Ambassador of Japan to Lithuania strengthened existing ties and opened new opportunities for cooperation in research, studies, and innovation.