The Arid Land Research Center at Tottori University aims to advance research that contributes to solving various problems such as desertification and drought and promoting sustainable development in drylands. The Center has a history of over 100 years, including the period as an experimental station. In 1990, the Sand Dune Research Institute as an annex of the Faculty of Agriculture was reorganized to become the Center, broadening the scope of its research from sand dunes to drylands and expanding its reach globally. The Center, a core institution responsible for driving dryland research, forming international networks, and fostering the next generation of researchers, is designated a MEXT Joint Usage/Research Center.

We at the Center are engaged in interdisciplinary research addressing rapid climate change with a primary focus on combating desertification and dryland agriculture, aiming to contribute to dryland society. As part of this, we are contributing to solving Asian dust issues and African agricultural issues through multifaceted approaches such as observations, experiments, modeling, and surveys, in collaboration with domestic researchers utilizing the research facilities and equipment of the Center and overseas researchers. We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with domestic and overseas research institutes and further advance our research efforts as a dryland science hub for integrating cutting-edge knowledge and technology.

Mitsuru Tsubo
Director, Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University