AsianScientist (Oct. 10, 2014) – 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.
Formalized 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 organize 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.”
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Source: A*STAR.
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