Although formally established as a university in 1949, Shima-dai's origins date back to the late 19th century.It was the first public university in Japan to establish an interdisciplinary department integrating natural sciences and engineering.The motto is 'Shimane University — growing with people and with the region' (人とともに 地域とともに 島根大学).Shima-dai has official ties with 38 universities around the world and each year hosts approximately 200 students from countries such as China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Germany, France, the UK and the US.[2] The Interdisciplinary faculty of Science and Engineering was ranked 1st in Japan by Shukan Asahi (週刊朝日進学Mook) 2012 concerning ratio of faculty member earned the Doctor degree of Science and Engineering.