Exposing Academic Fraud
Etsuko Taketani, Professor, University of Tsukuba
Yukari Yoshihara, Associate Professor, University of Tsukuba
11:00-12:00 Thursday, April 15, 2021
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in English.
The Times Higher Education university rankings are a key marker of global academic excellence. The University of Tsukuba, founded in 1973 and home to three Nobel laureates, has consistently ranked among Japan's top academic institutions. But some faculty say the university's president, Kyosuke Nagata, has been manipulating its scores for years.
In an attempt to claim the top spot for the ratio of international students at a Japanese university in the Times’ list, Nagata submitted false data, several professors told a press conference at the Ministry of Education last month, "thereby deceiving students who rely on rankings to make decisions." They want him fired.
That will not be easy. Last year, the university's selection committee scrapped limitations on Nagata's term of office, indicating firm support. Relations between the president and the university faculty seem increasingly toxic. Our speakers say the university's decision effectively allows Nagata to remain in power for life, destroying what little democracy was left in the management of the university.
How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, the name of your media outlet, and FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions attendance will be limited to 20 people. Doors open 30 minutes before the event. Please sign in, giving your name and contact details at the reception, and have your temperature taken before proceeding.
How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live
Livestreaming of the press events will be available and video of this event will be uploaded to our FCCJ YouTube channel.
How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/nyy6np1zxYfJSzM57
Members watching the event online can submit questions for the speakers in advance using this submission form.
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 45 minutes before the event. There will be five positions available for livestreaming.
Professional Activities Committee