Building on success of their previous collaboration, the two agencies will renew their research partnership for another three years with a focus on supporting projects in physical sciences
Singapore —The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) today signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to deepen bilateral ties in science and technology. Formalised during a signing ceremony in Kyoto, Japan, the MOC is part of JST’s “Strategic International Cooperative Program”, an initiative to forge research collaborations between Japanese researchers and their counterparts in 23 countries around the world. The A*STAR-JST MOC aims to strengthen scientific cooperation within the area of functional applications in physical sciences over the next three years.
The latest tie-up comes on the heels of the last research partnership signed on 18 March 2009. Under the previous bilateral agreement, two grant calls were launched and researchers in Japan and Singapore were invited to submit their research proposals. The first grant call was launched in August 2009 and supported research projects in physical materials and devices, photonics and nano-optics. The second was launched on 10 November 2011 and supported projects in bioelectronics. Through regular workshops in Japan and Singapore, the agreement also provided a platform for scientists from both countries to expand their networks to foster greater collaboration.
A*STAR and JST plan to organise a joint workshop in Singapore in the next few months, followed by the launch of their third joint grant call.
Mr. Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman, A*STAR said, “The MOC builds upon the strong foundation of research synergies between A*STAR and JST, and among the researchers from both the communities. From working together in the last three years through a number of joint projects and scientific exchanges, we have developed mutual confidence and trust and are now ready to take this cooperation further”.
Dr. Michiharu Nakamura, President, JST said, “I am pleased to extend our partnership with Singapore, and it is extremely meaningful for Japan to have Singapore as a cooperation partner. I strongly believe that, with this Program, cooperation in science and technology between our two countries will continue to become more active and to produce remarkable accomplishments. ”
________________________________________________________________
For media queries and interviews, please contact:
Singapore
Angeline Ng
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications,
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Tel: +65 6419 1149 Mobile: +65 9773 9598
Email: angeline-ng@scei.a-star.edu.sg
Japan
Go Totsukawa
Hideo Nakajima
Department of International Affairs
Japan Science and Technology Agency
Tel: +81-3-5214-7375
Email: sicpsi@jst.go.jp
About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that fosters world-class scientific research and talent to drive economic growth and transform Singapore into a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation driven economy.
In line with its mission-oriented mandate, A*STAR spearheads research and development in fields that are essential to growing Singapore’s manufacturing sector and catalysing new growth industries. A*STAR supports these economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry.
A*STAR oversees 18 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research entities, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis, as well as their vicinity. These two R&D hubs house a bustling and diverse community of local and international research scientists and engineers from A*STAR’s research entities as well as a growing number of corporate laboratories.
For more information on A*STAR, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg.
About the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) is one of the core institutions responsible for the implementation of science and technology policy in Japan, including the government’s Science and Technology Basic Plan.
From knowledge creation—the wellspring of innovation—to ensuring that the fruits of research are shared with society and Japan’s citizens, JST undertakes its mission in a comprehensive manner.
JST also works to provide a sound infrastructure of science and technology information and raise awareness and understanding of science and technology-related issues in Japan.
For more information, please visit http://www.jst.go.jp/EN/index.html.
