New opportunities for cooperation with Japan through MIRAI

Uppsala University is part of MIRAI, a successful internationalisation project that has brought together Swedish and Japanese higher education institutions since its inception in 2017. With a focus on global societal challenges and interdisciplinary collaboration, MIRAI is now entering a new phase (2024–2026) that involves expanded opportunities to get involved and a number of funding calls.

MIRAI consists of ten Swedish and seven Japanese universities, and is funded by the participating higher education institutions and the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT). Through recently granted funding of SEK 10 million from STINT, together with SEK 5 million from the participating Swedish higher education institutions, more activities and collaborations can now be implemented.

“MIRAI was the only project that was granted funding from STINT in this year’s call. This recognition reflects the strength of our collaboration and its potential to generate significant research results,” says Peter Lindblad, academic coordinator for MIRAI at Uppsala University.

Four global challenges in focus

MIRAI is organised into multidisciplinary teams, known as Global Challenge Teams (GCT), each addressing one of four priority global societal challenges: Health and an ageing population; Climate adaptation, disaster, and risk management and prevention; Resilient cities and communities; and Materials for energy conversion and storage.

The GCTs give researchers the opportunity to collaborate internationally, share ideas and develop common solutions to key global issues.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to get more researchers involved and develop long-term solutions. Since the project is still at an early stage, I hope that more researchers will get in touch so that we can help connect them with the managers of the GCTs,” says Fanny Lagerberg, project coordinator at the University Administration.

Johan Ahlenius