Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) and the Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), the University of Tokyo, have been collaborating since 2016 to co-host the Airplane Workshop for junior and senior high school students across Japan. By leveraging the respective strengths of JAL and the Office for the Next Generation of IIS, the workshop offers students the opportunity to explore the field of aviation through lectures and hands-on activities. Its aim is to inspire and cultivate future talent who will contribute to the advancement of aviation technology and, ultimately, to society as a whole. In 2025, the Airplane Workshop will celebrate its 10th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, a special dialogue will be held between Mr. Yuji Akasaka, Chairman of the Board of Japan Airlines, and Professor Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo. Reflecting on the past decade, the discussion will explore the shared commitment of JAL and the University of Tokyo to fostering the next generation, as well as their perspectives on the potential of STEAM education (*). The dialogue will also serve as an opportunity to look ahead toward the continued evolution of these educational initiatives.
(*) STEAM education: An interdisciplinary approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, transcending academic boundaries and encouraging students to apply their learning to real-world problem-solving.