Program
The Tenure Track System
The tenure track system is an arrangement in which young researchers that have been chosen through a fair and open selection process can gain independent research experience while being employed for a fixed term before obtaining more stable employment upon evaluation of their work.
Niigata University's Tenure Track System
Based on the traditions of simplicity and modesty fostered in lofty ambition and the enterprising spirit of a port city opened to the world, Niigata University's ideals are those of autonomy and creation, while its objective is contribution to the steady development of the region and the world through education and research.
In order to achieve this objective, Niigata University's image for ideal teaching staff (tenure image) shall be such staff as meet the two following criteria:
- Researchers who will inherit knowledge-based assets in traditional academic fields while promoting cross-field research capitalizing on the special characteristics of the entire university and creative research having value in the eyes of the world.
- Educators who will have students acquire a wealth of culture and a high level of expertise and nurture them to become talented people who accurately address the issues of the day and play an active role in a wide range of fields.
In order to construct and promote a tenure track system at Niigata University that nurtures young education researchers in an independent environment, a tenure track system was implemented at the Niigata University Headquarters for Planning and Strategies Office for Development of Young Researchers, after being selected for receipt of "Improvement of Research Environment for Young Researchers" formerly the Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science and Technology which was adopted in 2009.
Through the implementation of this system, the University has employed highly competent young researchers in fields within the Institute of Science and Technology and the Institute of Medicine and Dentistry, while also implementing an approach to cultivate the desired Niigata University teaching staff image.
Furthermore, after selection for Funds for the Development of Human Resources in Science and Technology through the Program to Disseminate the Tenure Track System in 2012, the University is aiming for dissemination of the tenure track system by expanding its applicable scope to include the Niigata University Center for Transdisciplinary Research, as well as each department in the Institute of Science and Technology and the Institute of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education.
In order to continuously nurture superior young researchers, Niigata University will continue to enhance its tenure track system through the improvement of research environments and the provision of assistance to young researchers.
Implementation of the System
The Niigata University Tenure Track Steering Committee (comprised of the Deans of each department and the Tenure Track Supervisor as Committee Chair) has been established under the President of Niigata University to manage the University's entire Tenure Track program.
Steering committees have also been established for each department unit, with the Deans for each department as Committee Chairs, in order to manage the systems in each department, but the system allows for the smooth communication of management situations and problems to the Tenure Track Supervisor and University President through the Niigata University Tenure Track Steering Committee.
Implementation of the System (The office for Development of Young Researchers)
Steering Committee
| Chairman | Youshin Sugahara | Executive Director, Vice President |
| Member | Hitoshi Takahashi | Executive Director (Research), Vice President |
| Member | Futao Kaneko | Executive Director (Community Collaboration and Finance),Vice President |
| Member | Satoshi Kuniya | Dean, The Institute of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education |
| Member | Takuji Ohyama | Dean, The Institute of Science and Technology |
| Member | Tatsuo Ushiki | Dean, The Institute of Medicine and Dentistry |
| Member | Masatoyo Nishizawa | Director, The Brain Research Institute |
| Member | Michihiro Igarashi | Director, The Office for Development of Young Researchers |
| Member | Shinji Watanabe | Director, The Research Planning and Promotion Department |
