Deepening International Collaboration: Shimonoseki City University Visits UHK
Author: Matyáš Strnad
The University of Hradec Králové (UHK) was honoured to welcome a distinguished delegation from Shimonoseki City University (Japan) on October 6–7, 2025. The visit, led by President Chang Wan HAN and joined by Professors Takaaki SHOCHI, Hideo KATO, and Assoc. Prof. Sousuke HANYU marks another important step in the deepening academic ties between our institutions.
While the two-day visit included formal meetings and campus tours, the true value lay in the conversations that unfolded. Conversations focused on collaborative research, exchange opportunities, and cooperation with practice. The Agreement of Academic Cooperation was signed following the Memorandum of Understanding concluded during the Czech National Mission of Higher Education Institutions to Japan in July 2025.
Leadership from both universities, including the UHK Rector, Assoc. Prof. Jan Kříž, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Dr. Leona Stašová, and Vice-Rector for Strategy, Development and Digitalization, Dr. Michal Strobach, discussed pathways to broaden student mobility and enable new faculty-level partnerships, especially in the fields of education, informatics, and interdisciplinary social sciences. The delegation from Japan also met with the representatives of the Faculty of Informatics and Management, UHK, to further explore possibilities to connect and work together.
“Global partnerships are not only about formal agreements but about cultivating meaningful academic communities across borders. I look forward to expanding our joint initiatives with Shimonoseki City University and creating enriching opportunities for our students and academics alike,” concludes Rector Jan Kříž.
Leadership from both universities, including the UHK Rector, Assoc. Prof. Jan Kříž, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Dr. Leona Stašová, and Vice-Rector for Strategy, Development and Digitalization, Dr. Michal Strobach, discussed pathways to broaden student mobility and enable new faculty-level partnerships, especially in the fields of education, informatics, and interdisciplinary social sciences. The delegation from Japan also met with the representatives of the Faculty of Informatics and Management, UHK, to further explore possibilities to connect and work together. 
