Swedish universities step up collaboration with Japan

The first phase of MIRAI ran from 2017-2019 and resulted in several joint project proposals and successful research collaborations Now the collaboration continues.

“Both countries are facing similar societal challenges, for example an ageing population, and both are in the frontline of science, technology and innovation says Eva Wiberg”, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Gothenburg, Swedish coordinator for MIRAI 2.0. 

Successful research collaboration

MIRAI means future in Japanese. The first phase of the project ran from 2017-2019 and resulted in several joint project proposals and successful research collaborations. Hence, at the end of that project participating universities agreed on a jointly funded continuation of the project that was named MIRAI 2.0.

Since then, more universities have joined and the consortium now consist of 19 universities in both countries. The project is coordinated by the University of Gothenburg and Nagoya University in Japan.

“For Uppsala University, MIRAI provides opportunities for researchers to collaborate with Japanese and Swedish colleagues. MIRAI enables us to strengthen contacts between Uppsala University and Japanese universities. We are looking forward to continuing this collaboration in MIRAI 2.0, with a greater focus on innovation and collaboration between academia, funding agencies and industry”, says Eva Åkesson, Vice-Chancellor at Uppsala University.

Kick-off October 7-8

Most part of the programme for the Kick-off organised on October 7-8 is open to everyone who wants to attend. Hopefully, the event will attract a broad audience with both researchers, university management and funding agencies.

On day one researchers will present their results and experiences from the first phase of MIRAI

• An attempt to develop smart bacterial-nanoparticle interfaces through chemical engineering to afford improved energy harvesting (material science)
• A comparative study of how Sweden and Japan conserves, restores and uses its’ wetlands, vital habitats for many species and with important nutrient removing properties. (sustainability)
• A study of the consequences for the elderly of changing family behavior and an increasing number of one-person households. Japan has a much higher share of elderly living with adult children. (ageing)
• Activities for increasing academia-industry collaboration and deepening understanding of innovation systems in both countries. (innovation and entrepreneurship)

Moreover a scientific webinar on Covid-19 is organised on October 8.