The Heller School Establishes Academic Exchange Partnership with the Graduate School of International Development at Nagoya University

February 14, 2024

Nagoya University, Japan

The Heller School, Brandeis University, and the Graduate School of International Development at Nagoya University have established an academic exchange partnership to promote research and opportunities for students and faculty alike. Through this partnership, beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year, Heller and Nagoya GSID will exchange faculty, administrative staff, researchers, and graduate students. The schools will also conduct collaborative research and hold joint lectures and symposia.

The Graduate School of International Development at Nagoya University in Nagoya, Japan, is committed to understanding and creating solutions for the contemporary problems facing our world. By examining the existing policy frameworks and applying innovative approaches to these challenges, Nagoya GISD strives to empower students to be leaders in effecting positive societal change for the global community.

Ravi Lakshmikanthan, MA SID'99, with Nagoya University Dean Aya Okada and Dean-Elect Prof. Yuzuru Shimada
Ravi Lakshmikanthan, MA SID'99 (center), with Nagoya University Dean Aya Okada (left) and Dean-Elect Prof. Yuzuru Shimada (right)

“The mission of Nagoya GSID is well aligned with the goals and aspirations of Heller,” said Dr. Ravi Lakshmikanthan, MA SID'99, Associate Dean, Global and Strategic Initiatives at Heller. “I had the pleasure of visiting Nagoya University this past April to meet with their leadership team and discuss how our schools could work together. We are excited to collaborate and look forward to the many opportunities that will arise through this partnership.”

Interim Dean Maria Madison and Brandeis Provost Carol Fierke
Interim Dean Maria Madison and Brandeis Provost Carol Fierke with the signed Memorandum of Understanding establishing the partnership with Nagoya University
The partnership will leverage funds from the Toshizo Watanabe gift to Brandeis University, which provides undergraduate and graduate students from top-tier universities in Japan with opportunities to study at Brandeis with financial support. The Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship Program (TWISP) was established in 2018 through the generous support of Toshizo “Tom” Watanabe ’73, a Brandeis University alumnus and former Wien Scholar.