Eikei University of Hiroshima (EUH) holds “Evening Lounge” as part of its support for students’ competency and career development. We were honored to have EUH Visiting Professor BEALE Alison, Director, University of Oxford Japan Office.
| Date & Time | Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, 5:10pm – 6:50pm |
| Participation | EUH students, faculty, staff, and visitors from outside the university |
| Title of Lecture | Japan’s Biodiversity: a perspective from the UK |
| Speaker | Director, University of Oxford Japan Office Ms. BEALE Alison Visiting Professor |
Ms. BEALE Alison gave a talk on “Japan’s Biodiversity: a perspective from the UK”, introducing the University of Oxford’s initiatives, research, and conservation activities.
After graduating from university, Ms. BEALE Alison came to Oita Prefecture through the JET Program (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program). Although she initially planned to stay for only one year, her experience in Japan became a major turning point, leading her to extend her stay. She is now working at the University of Oxford Japan Office. At the beginning of her talk, she emphasized the importance of “Deciding what mission you want to pursue in life and committing to it wholeheartedly.”
She explained the reality of biodiversity and the specific efforts undertaken at the University of Oxford. The university selects priority regions from *36 global biodiversity hotspots and engages in collection, and research of conservation. Oxford’s environmental goal is “Not merely to halt ecological decline, but to restore the natural environment to an even better state, stressing the importance of this perspective.” she also noted.
Lastly, Ms. BEALE Alison conveyed a passionate message that “We humans have a responsibility to safeguard these natural resources and must preserve them for the next generation.”
（*A region identified by Conservation International as extremely rich in biodiversity but seriously threatened, requiring top-priority global conservation.）
Comments from participants:
“She made me realize that we should enjoy every moment of daily life and appreciate the small joys that nature gives us. It also inspired me to think more deeply and take more interest in nature not only in Japan but around the world.”
“I learned a new field and a fascinating topic, which may also influence my future career.”
During the discussion session after the lecture, many students actively asked questions and enjoyed engaging with Ms. BEALE Alison.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Ms. BEALE Alison for sharing her valuable insight.
