On Friday, October 31, IMSUT hosted an event “Shirokanedai Campus - Get to know it, and get to know each other!” which was selected at the first International Event Planning Contest of the University of Tokyo. This event was designed to provide an opportunity for both the institute's international and Japanese students/researchers as well as foreign students/researchers who reside in the International Lodge Shirokanedai to get to know more about IMSUT and each other. The 56 participants consisted of 16 Japanese and 25 international students, 6 foreign researchers, and 9 faculty and staff members that include 6 students and one supervisor from the International Lodge Shirokanedai.

At the first part of the event, “Get to Know It!”, which was held at the Medical Science Museum, a graduate student representative introduced IMSUT’s 122 years old history using some images from the time of Institute of Infectious Diseases. They also explored the exhibit space and gained a further understanding of IMSUT of that time. This was followed by the second part of the event, “Get to Know Each Other!” where participants focused on building network ties among all participants. They were divided into groups based up of their affiliated laboratory, program, and the residence - in groups that were not similar to their own programs. Group members made self-introductions and competed in inter-group games. Because many of the games were quizzes related to the University of Tokyo and IMSUT, participants were able to enhance their understanding of and attachment to the university and the institute. Although many of the participants had never met before this event, they worked together as a team during the game, and the venue was filled with pleasant conversation and constant cheerful laughter.

After the event, IMSUT staff regarded the participants greeting and talking to each other in the Shirokanedai campus and realized that “Get to Know Each Other!” really opened up the exchange on the campus. Because this event was held under University’s international event, they were able to go beyond the scope of an internal event and invite the residents of International Lodge Shirokanedai. If we are acquainted with each other, it will become possible to help out each other immediately in a time of emergency, such as earthquake. It would also allow the residents in the International Lodge Shirokanedai to become more attached to IMSUT and feel safer in the community.

IMSUT will maintain and expand the network and trust relationship built with the residents in the International Lodge Shirokanedai.