On December 9, President NASU Yasutomo visited the School of Dentistry at the University of São Paulo (USP) in São Paulo, Brazil. Since signing an interdepartmental agreement in 1988, the Dental School at Okayama University and the School of Dentistry at USP have maintained more than 30 years of deepening exchange in education and research. In particular, concerning student exchange, both universities have been actively engaged in research and exchange activities, with students mutually visiting each other every year, including the dispatch of students from Okayama University through the ODAPUS program (Okayama University Dental School Short-Term Study Abroad Program).

During this visit, President Nasu held a one-hour discussion with Giulio Gavini, Dean of the School of Dentistry at USP, and Paulo Henrique Braz da Silva, Deputy Director of the Academic Exchange Division. President Nasu commented, "While student exchanges, which were temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have now resumed, we would like to move forward with expanding the acceptance of international students more concretely." In addition, he exchanged views with students who have already experienced training at Okayama University and others who are scheduled to participate in the program next year, gaining valuable, candid feedback on research activities at Okayama University.

During his stay in São Paulo, President Nasu also visited the São Paulo State University (UNESP), which collaborates with the Dental School at Okayama University. He met with Cesar Martins, the incoming Vice President, and faculty from the medical field to discuss student exchange and other topics, exploring the potential for future collaboration.

Going forward, we will continue to contribute to the further development of education and research in both countries by enhancing and expanding exchange programs with universities in Brazil, including USP and UNESP, and facilitating exchanges among students and faculty.