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Despite remarkable advances in science, humanity is still unable to create food directly from inorganic matter or petroleum. Nearly everything we consume as food is derived from what was once a living organism. The School of Applied Biological Science places at its core the scientific pursuit of ¡°producing living organisms and utilizing them as food,¡± integrating a spirit of fundamental scientific inquiry with the practical agricultural wisdom needed to return knowledge to society. In this sense, the faculty represents ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ¡¯s commitment to jitsugaku¡ªeducation and research grounded in real-world practice. Today, we face global challenges such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Amid these circumstances, the mission of our faculty is to address one of the most critical and difficult questions of our time: how to reconcile the stable supply of food essential for human survival with the conservation of a healthy environment.

To achieve this ambitious goal, the faculty offers five major programs that span the entire continuum from food resource production to environment, processing, and human health. These include Integrative Hydrosphere Science Program, which studies systems from the open ocean to coastal seas; Applied Animal and Plant Science Program, focusing on terrestrial flora and fauna; and Food Science, which explores the role of food in maintaining human health. Underpinning all of these is Molecular Agro-life Science Program, which seeks to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of life, while Applied Biological Science Program integrates these disciplines from a global perspective.

We are firmly convinced that a cross-disciplinary perspective¡ªranging from cutting-edge molecular biology to global-scale ecology¡ªwill be the key to sustaining food and health in the years to come. One of our greatest strengths in education lies in our practical, field-based approach, which goes far beyond laboratory research alone. Students learn through hands-on experience using outstanding facilities, including one of the largest university farms in western Japan, the Training and Research Vessel TOYOSHIO MARU that operates across vast marine environments, the Fisheries Research Station dedicated to the restoration of the Seto Inland Sea, and a state-of-the-art food processing training plant. Through these experiential programs, we emphasize learning with all five senses.
Beginning with hands-on introductory learning in the first year, and progressing through a unique curriculum in which students choose their specialization in the second year based on their own interests, we bridge the gap between theory and practice. In doing so, we cultivate graduates who are ready to contribute immediately and meaningfully to society.

At the same time, our faculty serves as an open window to the world. Japan relies heavily on imports for its food supply, and issues such as climate change and food security can no longer be resolved by any single nation alone. Drawing on my own experience in international exchange, I am committed to accelerating education and research founded on international cooperation. Through partnerships with overseas universities and interaction with international students, we aim to nurture individuals with a resilient global mindset¡ªstudents who can engage in meaningful dialogue across diverse values about the most vital issues facing humanity: food and the future of our planet.

Although the environment surrounding universities is constantly changing, the importance of life itself and of food remains universal. While steadfastly upholding our foundation in practical science, we will remain keenly responsive to the changing times. As a leading force behind ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ¡¯s vision of ¡°Science for Sustainable Development¡± we will continue striving to open the path toward a prosperous future beyond the SDGs.