Join Leeds University and the RSA in our global partnership for Expo 2025

This event will be delivered in English (English<>Japanese simultaneous interpretation available)

The 2025 Edward Boyle Memorial Lecture will focus on vital UK-Japan partnerships and collaboration. The event will address the interdisciplinary nature of collaboration and explore the impactful work being carried out by early-career researchers supported by RENKEI. Panellists will include a diverse range of distinguished RENKEI network members.

RENKEI is a partnership between leading research-intensive universities in the UK and Japan. Established in 2012 by Japanese and UK research universities, RENKEI promotes knowledge sharing and international collaboration between Japanese and UK universities.

The Edward Boyle Memorial Lecture is an event series commemorating Sir Edward Boyle (Baron Boyle of Handsworth). Following a long and distinguished political career from the 1940s to 1970, which included holding positions such as Minister of Education, Shadow Home Secretary, and Minister of State for Education and Science, Edward Boyle was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, a position he held for over ten years. Sir Edward Boyle’s Memorial Trust is dedicated to the advancement of education, learning, and music. The 2025 lecture will explore the importance of global partnerships in higher education.

Speakers

Welcome

  • Prof Tatsuya Sato – Vice President, Ritsumeikan University

Lecture and panel discussion chair

  • Prof Rob Sturman – University of Leeds, Pro-Dean International, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Former UK Co-Chair of RENKEI

Panellists

  • Prof Hannah Brown – Durham University, Professor of Anthropology, Visiting Fellow at the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN), Kyoto
  • Prof Marion Hetherington – University of Leeds, Professor Emerita in Biopsychology
  • Prof Motohiro Tsuchiya – Keio University, Vice-President for Global Engagement, Japan Co-Chair of RENKEI
  • Prof Toshiya Ueki – Tohoku University, Executive Vice President for General Affairs, International Relations, and Academic Resources, Former Japan Co-Chair of RENKEI

Closing remarks

  • Prof Natalie Konomi, Vice President, Kyushu University

Format

  • 17:30 – Doors open
  • 18:00 – Introductions
  • 18:05 – Welcome
  • 18:10 – Lecture and panel discussion
  • 19:15 – Closing
  • 19:20 – Reception and networking
  • 20:30 – Reception ends, event closes
Speaker biographies

This event is part of a wider programme as part of a global partnership for Expo 2025, developed by the Royal Society of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce (the RSA) and its partners.

If you are unable to attend this event, please share this invitation with a colleague.

If you have any questions or need to contact the event organisers, please note that all correspondence will be conducted in English. We thank you for your understanding.

In partnership with

Logos of the University of Leeds, Renkei, and RSA are displayed side by side on a white background, highlighting their collaboration for the Edward Boyle Lecture.

Prof Tatsuya Sato

Vice President, Ritsumeikan University

A middle-aged man with short dark hair wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and striped tie stands against a plain, light gray background, ready to deliver the Edward Boyle Lecture.

Prof Rob Sturman

University of Leeds, Pro-Dean International, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Former UK Co-Chair of RENKEI

Black and white portrait of a middle-aged man with a beard and short hair, wearing a light-colored collared shirt, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression, as part of the Edward Boyle Lecture series, against a plain background.

Prof Hannah Brown

Durham University, Professor of Anthropology, Visiting Fellow at the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN), Kyoto

A woman with shoulder-length dark hair smiles at the camera during the Edward Boyle Lecture. She is wearing a light-colored top and small hoop earrings. The background is blurred, showing a brick wall. The image is in black and white.

Prof Marion Hetherington

University of Leeds, Professor Emerita in Biopsychology

A smiling woman with short, light hair and glasses takes a selfie in a room, possibly before the Edward Boyle Lecture. She is wearing a dark top and patterned shirt underneath. The photo is black and white.

Prof Motohiro Tsuchiya

Keio University, Vice-President for Global Engagement, Japan Co-Chair of RENKEI

A man with dark hair wearing a suit, white shirt, and dark tie poses for a formal black-and-white portrait against a plain background, reminiscent of the dignified style seen in Edward Boyle Lecture photos.

Prof Toshiya Ueki

Tohoku University, Executive Vice President for General Affairs, International Relations, and Academic Resources, Former Japan Co-Chair of RENKEI

Black and white portrait of a man wearing glasses, a suit, and a tie, smiling softly at the camera against a plain background—captured for the Edward Boyle Lecture.

Prof Natalie Konomi

Vice President, Kyushu University

Smiling person with short gray hair and glasses, wearing a black pinstripe blazer over a dark shirt, stands in front of a light blue gradient background, ready to deliver the Edward Boyle Lecture.

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