EXECUTIVE PROGRAM OF COOPERATION IN THE FIELDS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF ITALY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN FOR THE PERIOD FROM 2002 TO 2006 On the basis of the Agreement between the Government of Italy and the Government of Japan on Cooperation in Science and Technology, signed at Tokyo, on October 7th, 1988, the 7th Japan-Italy Joint Committee on Cooperation in Science and Technology was held in Tokyo on October 30th. The Joint Committee discussed the scope and contents of the new Program of Cooperation for the period from 2002 to 2006, in continuation of the former Programs. The Italian delegation was led by Ambassador ALOISI de LARDEREL, Director-General of the Directorate General of the Promotion of the Cultural Cooperation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Japanese delegation was led by Ambassador AMANO, Director-General for Arms Control and Scientific Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The list of the two delegations is attached as ANNEX I Based on these discussions, the Government of Italy and the Government of Japan shared the view that cooperative activities between Italy and Japan should be promoted for the period from 2002 to 2006 in the following manner. MODALITIES OF COOPERATION The joint Scientific and Technological activities should be performed in the following ways: (i) research projects, (ii) exchange of researchers, experts and University professors, (iii) organisation of workshops, conferences, seminars, exhibitions and advanced training courses, (iv) establishment of joint research centres, and (v) participation to multilateral activities. PRIORITY AREAS Materials and Nanotechnology Earth Sciences Information and Communication Technology Robotics and Production Technology Space Life Science (Physics, Chemistry, Health Sciences, Agriculture, Biotechnology) NEW PROJECTS OF COLLABORATION 3.1 New proposals were received and were subsequently evaluated by both sides. The projects listed in ANNEX II-A [PDF] are financed for the mobility of researchers. 3.2 The projects in ANNEX II-B [PDF] are financed by the Government of Italy for their implementation in the start-up phase. GENERAL and FINANCIAL PROVISIONS The activities foreseen in this Program are to be implemented in accordance with relevant laws and regulations in each country and within the limits of the respective budgets. The general and financial provisions for the Government of Italy are indicated in ANNEX III. Italian and Japanese implementing organisations share the cost of cooperative activities within its own appropriated funds. Japanese implementing organisations may also apply for Japanese scheme to support research activities. OTHERS Annexes are an integral part of this Executive Program. Both Delegations further confirmed that additional new joint activities could be considered for inclusion in the Program through diplomatic channels. In the first Joint Committee after 2006, both Governments should discuss the scope and contents of the new Program of Cooperation starting from 2007.