Institute of Science Tokyo Brand Action! spurs participation in creation of new university

As Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) and Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) seek to intertwine their traditions, fuse their innovative spirits, and form a new university in the fall of 2024, the communities have jointly launched a project to encourage active public participation in the creation of Institute of Science Tokyo.

The “Institute of Science Tokyo Brand Action!” project began with its first phase in October 2023. A massive voting board was set up on the TMDU and Tokyo Tech campuses to gather opinions on the new university from students, faculty, staff, and other interested members of the public. The board contained four questions about the future institution:
 

1. 1.    What color would best represent Institute of Science Tokyo?　
   Most votes: Dark blue, followed by light blue.
2. 2.    What shape would best represent Institute of Science Tokyo?　
   Most votes: Upward spiral.
3. 3.    What is your image of the students at Institute of Science Tokyo?　
   Most votes: Steady and rational, but also daring and passionate.
4. 4.    What is the most important element of Institute of Science Tokyo?　
   Most votes: World-leading research and education, but also research and education in new fields that extend beyond specific areas of expertise.

The first votes were cast by visitors to the Ochanomizu Festival at TMDU on October 14 and 15. The second batch of red stickers were placed on the voting board at the Tokyo Tech Festival two weeks later. A total of approximately 3,000 votes were cast, with similar trends emerging at both institutions. Those who felt that their opinions differed significantly from the options available were also able to share their views online.

In addition to submitting their votes, many participants were happy to voice their individual opinions out loud. A number of these comments reflected the positive outlook held by the voters regarding the new university’s potential research prowess and enhanced role as a global academic institution, particularly if the integration results in increased acquisition of funding.

Based on the high turnout in the first phase of the project, it has quickly become evident that the broader community is excited and eager to help shape Institute of Science Tokyo. As the integration process moves forward, the “Institute of Science Tokyo Brand Action!” project will continue to encourage the creation of a new, confident, united university through workshops and other activities, the results of which will be shared on the TMDU and Tokyo Tech websites. 

Invitation from presidents to join branding project
Diet to amend legislation, enable formation of Institute of Science Tokyo in October 2024
New university name "Institute of Science Tokyo" (tentative) to be submitted to ministry council
Basic Agreement for Integration Signed
Tokyo Tech Festival (Japanese)
Ochanomizu Festival, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (Japanese)

Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo Institute of Technology Branding Team
Email brandpr-novuni@ml.tmd.ac.jp