Japan Science Day 2025 – Building bridges between disciplines, institutions, and cultures

Following its successful launch in 2024, the second edition of Japan Science Day took place on November 7, 2025. With around 160 participants from various scientific fields, the event at TUtheSky was particularly well received. Participants exchanged ideas on current research topics, opportunities for cooperation, and new perspectives in scientific dialogue between Austria and Japan.

Exchange and networking in the spirit of science

The event was organized by the Japan Austria Science Exchange Centre (JASEC) at TU Wien on the initiative of Prof. Peter Ertl, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and International Affairs at TU Wien. The aim of the event is to further strengthen research cooperation between Japan and Austria and to deepen the dialogue between science, research funding organizations, and students with a connection to Japan within Austria.

The program offered a wide range of topics and formats. In three panels on "Global Networks," "Bilateral Research Cooperation," and "Young Scientists," scientists and representatives of research funding organizations discussed networks, current projects, funding opportunities, and prospects for joint research.

In addition to the panel discussions, a poster exhibition presented the wide variety of joint research fields – from technology and natural sciences to architecture and environmental technologies to social sciences and humanities. The exhibition underscored the breadth of Japanese-Austrian cooperation and at the same time provided space for new contacts and ideas.

Greetings and inspiration for the future

Japan Science Day 2025 was opened by Rector Jens Schneider and His Excellency Ambassador Iwama. In his speech, Ambassador Iwama described Japan Science Day as a platform that, building on this year's Expo 2025 Osaka, could further deepen the exchange between Japan and Austria and take it to the next level.

In his welcome address, Rector Schneider highlighted the long-standing cooperation between TU Wien and Japanese partner universities and expressed his delight at the great interest and commitment that continues to support scientific exchange between the two countries.

Strengthening the network of Japan-related research in Austria

This year's Japan Science Day not only served to deepen bilateral cooperation, but also provided impetus for exchange between Japan-related institutions within Austria. The event impressively demonstrated the diversity of contacts and cooperation with Japanese partner institutions – and the great interest in closer networking between these players in research, teaching, and business.

A successful day with a view to the future

Now in its second year, Japan Science Day has established itself as a central platform for scientific dialogue between Austria and Japan. TU Wien would like to express its sincere thanks to all contributors, speakers, and guests—in particular Rector Jens Schneider, H.E. Ambassador Iwama, and all participating organizations and students—for their contribution to the great success of the event.

We look forward to continuing the exchange in 2026 – with new ideas, projects, and partnerships to build bridges between disciplines, institutions, and cultures.