Science and Technology

November 8, 2024

From 14th to 19th October 2024, Dr. KOTANI Motoko, Science and Technology Co-Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Sweden and Germany. The main activities are outlined as follows.

1. Sweden

Visit to the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering of Engineering Sciences (IVA)
Visit to the Swedish Research Council (VR)

Dr. Kotani visited Stockholm (Sweden), and held meetings with the Ministry of Education and Research, the Swedish Research Council (VR), the Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems (VINNOVA), the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA), the Karolinska Institute, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Stockholm Office. During each meeting, she provided an overview of Japan's science and technology innovation policies and science diplomacy initiatives, and engaged in discussions on enhancing bilateral collaboration. She also had opportunities to interact with Japanese researchers based locally, facilitating a candid mutual exchange of questions and answers from each perspective and sharing numerous insightful ideas.

Visit to the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Stockholm Office

2. Germany

Group Photo from the 3rd Exchange Event of the Researchers Network in Germany (Photo Courtesy of the JSPS Bonn Office)
Presentation at the 3rd Exchange Event of the Researchers Network in Germany
  1. Dr. Kotani visited Munich (Germany), and held meetings with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Deutsches Museum, and the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ), where she observed cutting-edge research facilities. In each meeting, she introduced Japan's science and technology diplomacy initiatives and discussed topics such as international brain circulation, Germany's Excellence Strategy, and the ideal framework for future international research environments. The discussions were held with a view to further cooperation between Japan and Germany in the field of research.
  2. Dr. Kotani also participated in the "3rd Exchange Event of the Researchers Network in Germany" held at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ). There, she gave a presentation on the theme of "Japan's Science and Technology Policy, Diplomacy, and Development of the International Research Environment." Approximately 70 attendees, including institute directors, university professors, young researchers, and industry researchers from Germany and across Europe, gathered at the event. She also joined various group discussions, including both intra-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary exchanges, engaging in lively exchanges of ideas.
Visit to the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ)
Visit to the Technical University of Munich (TUM)

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