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Hiroshima City University and University of Bradford agree on academic exchange to strengthen peace studies

by Yoshiaki Kido, Staff Writer

Hiroshima City University in Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima has signed an academic exchange agreement with the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom, a school with one of the world’s premier programs in peace studies. The two universities will work together on research and education in addition to sending out messages to convey the true consequences of the atomic bombing.

According to Hiroshima City University, the agreement includes the mutual exchange of students and teachers as well as the pursuit of joint research involving the two schools. Hiroshima City University signed the agreement in November and it will take effect once the University of Bradford signs it, too.

The schools have agreed to hold a seminar at the University of Bradford next March and a practical workshop at Hiroshima City University in August, to which teachers and students of both institutions are invited. They plan to continue their cooperation after that, such as organizing lectures.

The Division of Peace Studies and International Development at the University of Bradford was established in 1974 and is considered one of the largest centers for peace studies in the world. It has produced graduates who work for the United Nations or become members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in international cooperation.

Professor Christoph Bluth, 63, who teaches at the University of Bradford and specializes in international security, oversaw the negotiations for the agreement. He said that there was practical significance in visiting Hiroshima, a city that serves as a symbol of peace, and learning what the city endured. He added that the knowledge obtained from Hiroshima and its orientation toward peace can help resolve conflicts in the world.

Yoshiaki Furuzawa, 36, an associate professor at Hiroshima City University and a specialist in conflict resolution, said with enthusiasm: “With this agreement as a stepping stone, we would like to strengthen our collaboration with the University of Bradford so we can continue pursuing lively exchanges of personnel.”

(Originally published on December 19, 2017)

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