The 2024 INEI Annual Meeting: A Hilariously Serious Affair!
2024 INEI Annual Meeting Group Photo
Gather ‘round, dear readers, for I have a tale about the 2024 INEI Annual Meeting that unfolded at the esteemed Hiroshima University from October 23rd to 25th. Yes, folks, the INEI (International Network for Educational Innovation) decided to roll out the red carpet—or should I say, the tatami mat—for world-class researchers, educators, and students alike. Talk about pressure! You know it’s serious when the curriculum includes atomic bomb damage lectures and a grand social gathering that makes our pub crawls look like a quiet night in.
The event was a bit like an academic Olympics, with Hiroshima University participating as a host after various locations over the years, including the trendy hotspots of Beijing, Toronto, and even Seoul. It’s like a university version of ‘Where’s Waldo?’, except instead of finding a striped shirt with a goofy smile, you’re left looking for collaboration opportunities and funding grants, which by the way, are a bit scarcer than a good Wi-Fi connection in a rural area!
INEI 2024 Evening Reception Group Photo in front of Yokogawa Station
Now, let’s not bypass the excitement of having 20 faculty members forming the INEI Executive Committee while managing to corral six office members from the Education Department to make it all happen. It’s like herding cats, if the cats were exceptionally educated and unwilling to participate without suitable snacks and an open bar.
Things kicked off with Dean Kyoji Maruyama giving a nostalgic pre-show speech looking back on the INEI’s past successes—because nothing says “let’s engage with the present” like a good ol’ retrospective! After this trip down memory lane, participants were treated to an intriguing special lecture on the aftermath of the atomic bomb. Because nothing screams “education” more than a geographical location fraught with historical consequences, right?
And what’s an annual meeting without a chance to mingle? The first day wrapped up with a grand social gathering. Picture this: the Yokogawa Shopping District, vibrant and lively, teeming with academic minds and excited students, all thanks to a little help from the Japan Tourism Agency. Why not mix research with a bit of local culture—Hiroshima style? Give me a hearty bowl of okonomiyaki and we’ll call it even!
As we transitioned into day two, the mood was as electric as a Lee Evans stand-up show! The highlight was a Keynote Speech by Associate Professor Kim Jong-sung, who eloquently discussed teacher education for peace. It was followed by vibrant discussions—because heaven forbid we sit still for too long. The poster sessions and open forums were teeming with enthusiasm as universities introduced their innovative initiatives. It’s a spirited game of ‘My research is better than yours!’ And the highlight? The INEI Human Library—where students grilled deans like they were celebrity chefs on a cooking show. Move over Gordon Ramsay, the future of education is grilling deans over ethical dilemmas!
The third day was the grand finale where visionary discussions about INEI’s future transformation hit the stage. It was a brainstorming bonanza! With exchanges and ideas flying, it felt more like a kickstarter meeting for a new groove than an academic discussion.
As the curtains fell on this year’s enlightening extravaganza, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of the next annual meeting in São Paulo, Brazil. If they’re not serving caipirinhas during brainstorming sessions, I’ll be very disappointed! Until then, let’s keep the positive vibes rolling as we continue down this unpredictable and entertaining path of international educational innovation. Cheers to INEI!
2024 INEI Annual Meeting Group Photo
The prestigious 2024 INEI Annual Meeting took place over three days, from October 23rd to 25th, at Hiroshima University, utilizing both the Higashi Senda and Higashi Hiroshima campuses. This annual gathering, known as the Dean’s Conference, rotates its hosting duties among member universities, with Hiroshima University proudly stepping up this year following a series of past hostings that included Beijing Normal University in 2018 and the University of Toronto in 2019. After two years of virtual meetings due to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, participants rejoiced in the return to face-to-face interactions amidst the vibrant academic atmosphere of Hiroshima.
At Hiroshima University, the organization of the INEI Annual Meeting saw the formation of an Executive Committee, comprising 20 dedicated faculty members from the Faculty of Education, led by Dean Kyoji Maruyama. In collaboration with six staff members from the Education Department’s General Support Office, they extended invitations to educators from various member universities, creating a welcoming environment in Hiroshima. Over 30 enthusiastic students and graduate students from Hiroshima University contributed as volunteers and part-timers, playing a vital role in the conference’s operations while engaging with esteemed researchers from around the globe. The meeting formally commenced with an inspiring address from Dean Maruyama, reflecting on INEI’s achievements while emphasizing the need for enhanced exchanges and collaboration, particularly in the areas of student and teacher training initiatives among member universities. Subsequently, a session titled ‘A History of the INEI’ allowed each member university to showcase their progress and achievements to date. Participants then had the opportunity to listen to an impactful special lecture regarding the historical atomic bomb damage in Hiroshima, followed by a poignant visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. To foster a sense of community, a grand social gathering took place on the evening of the first day, in partnership with the Yokogawa Shopping District and Hiroshima Electric Railway, partaking in a project selected by the Japan Tourism Agency aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal as a hub for international conferences. Support from a grant facilitated this enriching event, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the unique cultural heritage of Hiroshima.
INEI 2024 Evening Reception Group photo in front of Yokogawa Station
The second day of the conference commenced with a Keynote Speech delivered by Associate Professor Kim Jong-sung from Hiroshima University, focusing on the pivotal themes of teacher education aimed at fostering peace. Following the speech, engaging discussions unfolded, promoting collaboration and shared insights. A series of sessions followed, featuring poster presentations and open discussions, where each INEI member university presented their contemporary initiatives, culminating in a collaboration project with the HiROSHIMA GLOBAL ACADEMY (HiGA). During the meeting, the innovative INEI Human Library activity provided a platform where students from Hiroshima University, as well as middle and high school students from Hiroshima Prefectural Hiroshima Eichi Gakuen and AICJ High School, had the unique chance to interview deans and vice deans from each participating university, eliciting their perspectives on educational leadership and innovation. On the final day, the dialogue focused on strategic discussions regarding the future trajectory of INEI, held at the Higashi Senda Campus. Exciting exchanges of research and collaborative discussions flourished throughout the three-day conference, serving as a dynamic platform for international joint research and fostering vibrant connections among students and graduate students. Looking ahead, the upcoming year’s annual meeting is set to take place at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, promising further opportunities for academic collaboration and growth within the INEI network.
**Interview with Dean Kyoji Maruyama on the 2024 INEI Annual Meeting at Hiroshima University**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dean Maruyama! The 2024 INEI Annual Meeting at Hiroshima University has been described as an “academic Olympics.” What inspired such an exciting atmosphere?
**Dean Maruyama:** Thank you for having me! The atmosphere was a result of our commitment to fostering international collaboration among educators and researchers. We aimed to blend rigorous academic engagement with the rich cultural essence of Hiroshima, which naturally creates an inspiring and vibrant environment.
**Interviewer:** The event had a nostalgic touch, with a look back on INEI’s past successes. Why was this important for the meeting this year?
**Dean Maruyama:** Reflection helps us appreciate how far we’ve come and reinforces our commitment to future initiatives. By celebrating our successes, we can build on them to strengthen exchanges and develop new educational strategies, especially after the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
**Interviewer:** Interesting! The special lecture on the aftermath of the atomic bomb seems to have been a key highlight. How does this kind of historical context play into educational innovation?
**Dean Maruyama:** Education is deeply connected to the historical context of communities. By understanding the implications of such a profound event, we hope to instill values of peace and resilience in future educators. It’s about fostering a generation that can learn from the past to build a better future.
**Interviewer:** The social gathering in the Yokogawa Shopping District sounds like a great way to mix culture with academia. Why prioritize this social aspect?
**Dean Maruyama:** Networking and forming social connections are essential in academia. The vibrant atmosphere of the shopping district provided a unique opportunity for our participants to relax, connect personally, and share ideas in a less formal environment, which often sparks innovation.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a “brainstorming bonanza” regarding INEI’s future transformation. What key topics emerged during those discussions?
**Dean Maruyama:** We focused on enhancing collaboration for student and teacher training initiatives. The emphasis was on creating sustainable partnerships that can address educational challenges globally. Ideas for utilizing technology more effectively in education also took center stage.
**Interviewer:** As we look ahead, what are your hopes for the next INEI Annual Meeting in São Paulo?
**Dean Maruyama:** I hope it holds the same collaborative spirit we cultivated in Hiroshima! And I certainly wouldn’t mind some caipirinhas at the brainstorming sessions—I’ll rally for that! Ultimately, I want to see even more innovative approaches to education arising from our continued global collaboration. Thank you for this opportunity to share!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dean Maruyama! It’s been a pleasure discussing the inspiring events of the INEI Meeting. Cheers to future educational innovations!
