SERC Host International Conference with Japanese Tech College

At the launch of the Third International Symposium on Expertise in Sustainable Society hosted by SERC are Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, SERC Principal and Chief Executive Mr Ken Webb and Prof Sotomi Ishihara, President of Toyama National College of Technology, Japan[/caption] The prestigious two-day conference, held at the Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre, from 3 to 4 June 2013 attracted over one hundred industry professionals and other external organisations and featured a range of keynote addresses. First, delegates were welcomed by Professor David Farrell, Chairman of Japan Project Steering Committee at South Eastern Regional College. The conference brought together internationally recognised academics and researchers focusing on a range of topics including energy strategy for Japan, electric power generation, nuclear energy, coastal engineering, reduction in energy usage within the construction sector and waste management. Delegates were treated to a range of excellent keynote presentations and took part in stimulating workshops, paper and poster sessions in an informal small group environment, providing the opportunity to share ideas and best practice with colleagues from across the globe. Visiting lecturers from Nagaoka University, Japan, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore, Toyama University and Toyama National College of Technology will participate in the Symposium along with guest speakers from Liverpool John Moore’s University, Queen’s University Belfast and SERC. Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry who provided the closing address on the first day of the conference said: “I commend the international relationship between SERC and the Toyama National College of Technology in Japan which has been forged in part with support from my Department’s Connected Programme. “The international dimension of this event will further develop strategically important links and partnerships between Northern Ireland and Japanese colleges, universities, research organisations and cluster companies. The role of education providers, particularly in the further and higher education sectors, in creating and sustaining effective networks of knowledge and expertise is one of the most important drivers of this process.” SERC Principal and Chief Executive Ken Webb said: “SERC are delighted to host this prestigious conference following successful events in Japan and Hawaii. It gives us an opportunity to promote our success in creating strong partnerships among key education and environment groups and highlights Northern Ireland as a leading centre of excellence in sustainable development. SERC has had a partnership with Toyama National College of Technology for five years and this conference is a positive output from this global relationship.” The event organisers would like to thank to their main sponsors The British Council, Colleges NI – Connected Project, The Great Britain Sasikawa Foundation and TAL UK Ltd for helping to make this such a successful event.]]>