Academic delegation from HWG Ludwigshafen visited partner university in Japan - focus on global sustainability goals, internationalization of universities and obstetric care
From December 9 to 14, 2024, a delegation from the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (HWG LU) visited its partner university Nagoya City University (NCU) in Japan. The delegation consisted of Christine Liew, Deputy Head of the East Asia Institute, and Professors Dr. Barbara Filsinger and Michaela Michel-Schuldt PhD from the Department of Midwifery Science. The aim of the visit was to deepen scientific cooperation and exchange ideas on global sustainability goals, particularly in the context of obstetric care.
Symposium on global sustainability goals
A central item on the program was participation in a symposium at which so-called "contact points" - representatives of all NCU partner universities in Asia and Europe - presented their research work. Approaches and results from various Departments were presented from the perspective of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The HWG LU contributed to this international discussion in particular with insights from obstetric care. The East Asia Institute also presented the internationalization strategy of selected degree programs at our university, which is also playing an increasingly important role for Japanese universities in the restructuring of their education.
Impressions of obstetric practice in Japan
In addition to the academic discussion, the visit also provided valuable insights into obstetric care at Nagoya City University. The scientists from Ludwigshafen were impressed by the care ratio in Japan: an interdisciplinary team consisting of two midwives and doctors provides continuous support for a woman giving birth. In comparison: In Germany, one midwife currently cares for an average of three women giving birth at the same time (source: German Midwives Association). At the same time, differences in intervention rates were identified. For example, the episiotomy rates for first-time mothers in Japan are higher than in Germany.
At the NCU's Skills and Simulation Center, the delegates gained an insight into the advanced skills of Japanese midwives. They carry out basic ultrasound examinations independently and are also responsible for abortions in practice - tasks that are currently reserved for doctors in Germany. One challenge in Japan, however, is the low prevalence of upright birthing positions. The German-Japanese partnership plans to further develop and improve education in these areas.
Developing a joint research agenda
The delegation also used the visit to develop a joint research agenda. In particular, the effects of climate change on obstetric outcomes, postnatal care and joint research activities in low- and middle-income countries were discussed.
Exchange with students from the East Asia Institute
Another highlight was the meeting with two students from the East Asia Institute of the HWG LU, who are currently spending a semester abroad at the NCU. Betty Beyer and Anna-Maria Piel are working as student assistants on a multimedia project that aims to illustrate midwifery work in Japan for their fellow midwifery students in Ludwigshafen.
Visit to Tokyo
The Degree of the trip was a visit to the hospital of the National Center of Child Health and Development in Tokyo. Here, we cooperate with one of our practice partners, the Women's Clinic of the University Medical Center Mannheim. Here, too, the delegation gained valuable insights that will be incorporated into future education and research projects.
With this visit, the HWG LU provided a further important impetus for international cooperation in research and education. The delegation returned with a variety of impressions and new ideas that will contribute to the further development of midwifery science and the strengthening of global partnerships.
Professional contact:
Department of Social and Health Care
Midwifery Science
Prof. Michaela Michel-Schuldt PhD / Prof. Dr. Barbara Filsinger
michaela.michel-schuldt@ 8< SPAM protection, please remove >8 hwg-lu.de / barbara.filsinger@hwg-lu.de
East Asia Institute (OAI)
Christine Liew
liew@ 8< SPAM protection, please remove >8 oai.de
