Internationalisation

Reforging historic ties

Building on the legacy of Henry Dyer 150 years on: Using our shared past to reinvigorate links with the University of Tokyo

In March 2024, an academic delegation from the University of Glasgow visited the University of Tokyo to participate in events celebrating 150 years of their School of Engineering, which was founded by UofG alumnus, Professor Henry Dyer, in 1873.  Henry Dyer contributed considerably to the reform of Engineering education in Japan, his revolutionary approach, helping propel Japan’s rapid industrial modernization in the decades following the Meiji Restoration. 

During the visit, Dr Adam McKenzie, Research Fellow in the James Watt School of Engineering, delivered the ‘Henry Dyer Lecture’ at a special research symposium marking the 150th anniversary of the Imperial College of Engineering (ICE), the forerunner to the University of Tokyo's School of Engineering.

Legacy of pioneering UofG alumnus Professor Henry Dyer (1848-1918)

Dr McKenzie’s presentation focussed on the legacy of UofG alumnus and pioneer of engineering and education, Professor Henry Dyer (1848-1918). Dyer graduated from UofG with a BSc in Engineering in 1873, having studied under William Rankine and William Thomson, Lord Kelvin. In the same year, he was appointed as founding Principal and Professor of Civil Engineering at ICE, at Rankine’s personal recommendation. At ICE, Dyer led a group of eight British academics, who made up the College’s first professorial staff, in driving sweeping reforms of technical education in the country, producing a new generation of Japanese engineers.

Professor Dyer pioneered a revolutionary approach to engineering education, which helped to drive the modernisation of Japan’s industrialisation. Dyer’s philosophy, which placed equal importance on theoretical and practical learning, is now the foundation for all modern engineering education globally, and he is celebrated in Japan for this and his contribution to building the modern Japanese state. 

Dr McKenzie’s delivery of the ‘Henry Dyer Lecture’ in Tokyo reinitiated conversations around international recognition of Dyer’s achievements and impact, and provided a catalyst for developing the values he exemplified – global thinking, practical application, and a belief that education is the engine for progress for strengthening the relationship between the University of Glasgow and the University of Tokyo.

Reforging historic links

"The partnership between the University of Glasgow and the University of Tokyo is one of historic depth and future promise. Rooted in the pioneering legacy of Henry Dyer, our collaboration today spans advanced research, innovation, and academic exchange. This  reaffirms our shared commitment to tackling global challenges through engineering excellence and meaningful international engagement."  

Professor Kostas Kontis, Dean for Global Engagement (East Asia)

In addition to attending the special research symposium, the UofG delegation had the opportunity to tour the UTokyo campus, including the world-leading Takeda Supercleanroom, and meet with colleagues from across the School of Engineering, as well as visiting local industrial partners, where potential research opportunities were explored.

The visiting delegation were able to initiate the negotiations of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions, paving the way for further collaboration and exchange, both locally within the College of Science and Engineering, and university-wide.

Significantly, the visiting delegation were able to initiate discussions around renewing the  Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions, paving the way for sustained collaboration and research exchange in the future, from student and staff mobility, to joint funding bids, to industry collaboration - particularly in cutting-edge areas such as photonics, quantum science, and semiconductors and beyond, all identified as priority sectors by both the UK and Japan.

Following the visit in 2024, Dr McKenzie returned to the University of Tokyo on a summer fellowship from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), where these personal and institutional connections were further reinforced. 

The 2025 Henry Dyer Symposium in Glasgow

Building upon the success of the 2024 symposium, Dr McKenzie organised and hosted a reciprocal symposium from UTokyo colleagues to UofG in May 2025. The was marked by a highly-successful one-day research event, with 12 researchers showcasing the leading edge of engineering research at both institutions.

The event also included talks focussing on the Legacy of Henry Dyer and the UofG-UTokyo connection, given by Dr McKenzie. The wider historical and cultural ties between Scotland and Japan were also celebrated through a presentation by Dr Saeko Yazaki from the School of Critical Studies at the University of Glasgow, and the attendance of Mr Masataka Abe, Consul of Culture at the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh.

Plans are now under discussion for continuing the ‘Henry Dyer Symposium’ as a regular event, with location rotating between Glasgow and Tokyo, aimed at enabling sustained and a celebration of ongoing collaboration between the two Universities, and Scotland and Japan more widely.