Q. What is the purpose of establishing the new department?

Dr. Shibuya: The Industrial Revolution, which began in the mid-18th century, dramatically reshaped the world and triggered major shifts in academia. Today, emerging fields such as machine learning and AI are driving a similar transformation, making data science an essential tool for modern scientists. For the next generation, a solid understanding of data science will be increasingly vital across disciplines like electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, biology, and beyond. That’s why we’re launching a new department—one designed to equip students with the skills to study technology through the lens of data science.

This initiative aligns with Sophia University’s broader mission to cultivate talent capable of leading the green transformation (GX) toward a sustainable society, leveraging digital technologies such as AI and data science. GX requires not only technical expertise, but also a strong foundation in the social sciences, including economics and law. By taking advantage of our integrated campus in Yotsuya, Tokyo—where all faculties are located—we aim to foster cross-disciplinary learning. Students will be encouraged to take courses outside the Faculty of Science and Technology and engage with peers and professors from diverse academic backgrounds.

Q. Why is the entire curriculum delivered in English?

Dr. Shibuya: Sophia University’s educational spirit is rooted in its guiding motto: “For Others, With Others.” Tackling the challenges of green transformation (GX)—an initiative that goes beyond carbon neutrality to promote a sustainable society through resource circulation, biodiversity conservation, and economic growth—requires global collaboration. Nation states and international corporations must work together, and English plays a crucial role in establishing the rules and frameworks needed for such cooperation.

Our goal is to nurture graduates who can thrive in international settings, regardless of nationality. Japanese students, who will make up half of the department’s intake, will benefit from an immersive English-language environment similar to studying abroad. For international students, the program offers pathways to employment in Japan. Those who return to their home countries will carry with them a deep connection to Japan, helping to build a global network of allies. We believe these relationships will yield meaningful results over the next 10, 20, and even 30 years.

Q. What kind of curriculum are you planning at the moment?

Dr. Shibuya: While information science will serve as the core of the program, the curriculum is built on three foundational pillars to reflect the department’s focus on green technology. In addition to information science, the other two pillars are mechanical, electrical, and physical systems; and biology and chemistry. Green technology demands a broad base of knowledge—whether related to energy, the environment, or sustainability.

Although existing departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology already offer courses that incorporate data science, the new department will place a stronger emphasis on both the fundamentals of data science and its practical applications in technology.

Q. Will students be able to take subjects from existing departments?

Dr. Shibuya: The Faculty of Science and Technology currently comprises three departments: Materials and Life Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Information and Communication Sciences. The new department will be added alongside these. Since 2012, we have also offered two English-taught programs—the Green Science Course within the Department of Materials and Life Sciences, and the Green Engineering Course within the Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences. These two programs will be integrated into the new department.

Students in the new department will also have access to Japanese-language courses offered by the other three departments. Conversely, students from the existing departments will be able to take courses in the new department, provided they meet a certain level of English proficiency. The new department will offer a degree program conducted entirely in English. For this reason, students will only take courses from other departments in limited cases—specifically when a desired subject is not available within the new department and is offered only in Japanese.

Q. Will you yourself be teaching the information systems course?

Dr. Shibuya: Although my expertise is not in data science per se, my research focuses on algorithms and information security—particularly cryptography and secure distributed computing. I expect to teach subjects related to information technology that support the effective use of data science.

Q. Dr. Fuyutsuki, your field of specialization is planetary atmospheric chemistry. What kind of students would you like to teach?

Dr. Fuyutsuki: What I value most is diversity of thought. In their first year, students will take foundational courses in science and engineering. Later, as they move into their areas of specialization, they’ll study not only information science, but also mechanical engineering, biology, or chemistry. I’m eager to work with students from a wide range of backgrounds who are motivated to challenge themselves across multiple disciplines.

I hope our Japanese students will be ambitious and committed to personal growth, especially by strengthening their English skills as they earn their undergraduate credits. In the new department, we aim to cultivate students capable of engaging with world-class engineering and participating in joint research with leading space agencies such as European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Digital transformation (DX) is a global challenge, and we sincerely hope this department will help produce the skilled technologists the world needs to meet it.

Q. Dr. Dzieminska, you are researching rotating detonation engines, a promising technology for the future. What kind of students are you hoping for?

Dr. Dzieminska: Rotating detonation engines are being developed for a range of applications and fuel types—for example, for rockets in the U.S. and Japan, and for power generation in Germany. My research focuses on hydrogen-based engines, with an emphasis on safety and practical implementation.

When I studied in a newly established program at Warsaw University of Technology in Poland, all my courses were taught in English. My English skills weren’t particularly strong at first, but I worked hard to improve. The new department offers a platform for teaching the emerging academic field of digital transformation (DX). While science and technology transcend language, English remains a vital gateway to global knowledge exchange.

To students who may feel uncertain about their English ability, I would say: recognize the importance of sharing knowledge across borders. English provides a shortcut to that exchange. For those thinking about future careers, mastering data analysis and DX will be essential. I hope to see many ambitious students join this equally ambitious new department.

Knowledge exchange isn’t about blending in—it’s about mutual understanding. And that understanding will make it much easier to build meaningful connections in the global business world.

Q. Please say a few more words to promote the new department.

Dr. Dzieminska: When other universities launch departments focused on digital transformation (DX), they often have to build from the ground up. Sophia, however, already has a strong foundation in English-language education. In that sense, we’re starting from 50%, not zero—and that gives us a significant advantage.

Dr. Fuyutsuki: The new department is closely aligned with Sophia University’s philosophy of cross-disciplinary learning. This approach is essential for developing the problem-solving skills needed by next-generation technologists, and it’s one of Sophia’s unique strengths.

Dr. Shibuya: Very few universities in Japan offer STEM degrees entirely in English. Establishing a completely new department—not just a new course—is also quite rare. We hope the launch in 2027 will be as exciting for others as it is for us.