Science and Technology

The 16th Japan-Australia Joint Science and Technology Committee Meeting was held on September 12 in Tokyo.

The Joint Committee Meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Takeshi Nakane, Ambassador for Science and Technology Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Ms. Jane Urquhart, Head of Science and Commercialisation Policy Division of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science of Australia. The meeting was attended by representatives from the relevant ministries and institutions of both countries as well as from the Embassy of Australia in Japan.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the recent developments of national science, technology and innovation policies and the current situation of bilateral cooperation. The committee also discussed the situation of cooperation activities and future prospects in specific areas (Antarctic research, earth and marine observation science, space science technology and applications, women in STEM, as well as frameworks for facilitating science and technology cooperation).

It was proposed to hold the next Joint Committee meeting in Australia; the date of the meeting will be determined through diplomatic channels.