Guanajuato, Gto., April 15, 2016. The University of Guanajuato (UG) awarded the Doctorate Honoris Causa to the renowned scientist and ex-rector of Nagaoka University of Technology (NUT), Dr. Koichi Niihara, who in addition of his innovative contribution to the area of ceramic material, is one of the promoters of the liaison between Japanese and Mexican Higher-Education Institutions, especially with UG.

In a public and solemn session with the University General Council (CGU, for its acronym in Spanish), UG's General Rector, Dr. Luis Felipe Guerrero Agripino, reminded that the Honoris Causa is referred to whom has made exceptional contributions to science, technology, human studies, art or education; alternatively, have made a labor with extraordinary value in benefit of the institution, country or humanity.

He added that Doctorate Honoris Causa synthetizes a considerable effort and great vision of a scientist and a university man, Dr. Koichi Niihara, to whom he told: "You are now part of our university community, of our history, of our tradition, the example for the present and future generations."

After mentioning that the university advisors unanimously approved to grant the distinction to Dr. Niihara, thanked NUT's Ex-Rector for his scientific contributions, but above all, his work towards establishing collaboration networks between the Nagaoka University and UG.

In his speech, Prof. Koichi Niihara, who has been recognized by institutions such as Osaka University and Virginia Tech, among others, said that the distinction granted by UG constitutes a great honor, especially for being from a university with deep brotherhood links with NUT.

Dr. Niihara expressed his gratitude to the university authorities, and trusted to continue strengthening the liaison between the University of Guanajuato and Nagaoka University of Technology.

It was Dr. Héctor Gordon Nuñez Paleniu turn to express Dr. Niihara's trajectory, in which he remarked his contributions to fabricate stronger and more resistant ceramic materials, work that led to "Niihara's Equation", who is pleased with recognition from the international scientific community.

The Japanese researcher was the pioneer of the concept "nano-compound", and has been described by his colleagues as "one of the most creative, productive ceramic workers with a worldly vision".

As President of the Nagaoka University of Technology, he strengthened the liaison with the University of Guanajuato, which derived in the creation of double degree programs in master and doctorate in Chemical Engineering; in the formation of the Technological Baccalaureate with International Profile (BTPI for its acronym in Spanish), known as the "Mexican kosen" in UG; among other projects that benefit students and professors from both institutions.

In the ceremony, the State Governor, Lic. Miguel Márquez Márquez, also sustained that the award given to Koichi Niihara represents a recognition to his outstanding collaboration with Guanajuato, especially UG.

It is also –expressed Lic. Márquez—a sample of the of the link and commitment the state has with Japan, with whom has established commercial and social liaisons, but also academic.

Hence, he emphasized on "the education is an opportunity of mutual support between Guanajuato and Japan to have economic, social, cultural and scientific benefits.

In the ceremony that took place in the Hall of the University Council, were also present, UG's Pro Vost, Dr. Héctor Efraín Rodríguez de la Rosa, President of the Board, M. Martha Leticia Velázquez Morales, student and Secretary of the Commission of Honor and Justice from CGU, Sandra Mireya Guzmán Barrios.

Furthermore, attended members from the University Council, members on the board and unipersonal authorities, between other members from the university community.