The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University (UGAS-IU), is the northernmost among the six United Graduate Schools of Agricultural Sciences in Japan, exclusively offering Ph.D. programs. UGAS-IU has been operated by three universities—Hirosaki University, Iwate University, and Yamagata University. In 2025, Fukushima University joined the doctoral education framework, forming a four-university network for education and research. This development further strengthens inter-university collaboration in agricultural sciences across the Tohoku region, advancing education and research through the integration of diverse academic disciplines and research resources.

Since our establishment in 1990, with Iwate University as the core institution, UGAS-IU has produced over 1,000 doctoral graduates. These graduates have significantly contributed to academic and societal progress both domestically and internationally. This success is built upon our distinctive curriculum that integrates global and local perspectives. Courses such as “Science Communication in English,” “Research Internship,” and “Communication for International Conferences” are designed to cultivate a global mindset, while “Communication for Science Camp” addresses local issues. Additionally, the recently introduced “Research Ability Improvement Seminar” aims to develop researchers equipped with both international and interdisciplinary insights.

Currently, the world faces a multitude of global challenges, including climate change, food security, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use, and the rapid advancement of AI and digital technologies. UGAS-IU encompasses three major specialties—Bioproduction Science, Bioresources Science, and Regional Environment Creation—covering the full spectrum of agricultural sciences. Each specialty comprises three collaborative divisions, promoting specialized and interdisciplinary research. The advanced research skills developed during our doctoral program serve as “transferable skills,” applicable not only in academia but also across industries and international organizations, thereby playing a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable society.

UGAS-IU is committed to developing leaders who will pioneer a sustainable future. By combining the human and research resources of our four constituent universities with their unique educational and research environments, we integrate global and local perspectives to generate interdisciplinary knowledge. We are dedicated to pioneering new frontiers in agricultural sciences and driving its continued advancement.