History of the UMUT Collection

The University of Tokyo was founded as Japan’s first university in 1877. It was originally composed of four faculties, to which 91 professors and 1,750 students belonged. After 140 years, the University has developed into a larger institution consisting of 10 faculties, 15 graduate schools, and numerous associated institutes and centers, with about 3,800 tenured professors and over 27,000 under- and post-graduate students. This rapid growth, far more than a simple population growth, undoubtedly reflects the increasing development and diversification of scientific activities. Scientific specimens stored at the University Museum, over four million in total, are testimony of enduring academic activities. When representative specimens are placed in an exhibition box, as in the new exhibition hall, their diversity is enhanced, stimulating the curiosity of scientists in various fields. The specimens serve as invaluable resources for developing innovative research projects that cross-cut extant disciplines.

Yoshihiro Nishiaki

References

文部科学省「学制百年史」http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/hakusho/html/others/detail/1317599.htm