We are deeply concerned about what we hear about the natural disaster in northeast Japan.

The Tohoku University in Sendai, Miyagi prefecture, is one of TU Dresden’s partner universities since 2006. Thanks to a regular exchange of scientists and students we have developed close links with our partners for years.

The city of Sendai and the Miyagi prefecture are located in one of the areas worst hit by the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March. For this reason, Tohoku University postpones the beginning of the summer semester to mid-April for the time being.

Our sympathy and thoughts are with all members of Tohoku University and their families and also with the people in the regions affected by the earthquake.

At the same time we try to remain in contact with our students and staff who are currently in Japan.

Prof. Dr. Dr.-Ing. habil. Hans Müller-Steinhagen
Rector of TU Dresden

Image (detail): Gerd Altmann/pixelio.de