The trip to Japan, which was all about international cooperation and forward-looking research, brought together representatives from science, business and politics. Also, it showed how global challenges can be tackled together.

Research excellence in the spotlight at EXPO

The trip took place on occasion of TU Wien's participation in the ‘Innovation Lab’ in the Austrian pavilion at EXPO 2025. Under the motto ‘Composing the Future’, the university is presenting ten innovative projects that reflect the broad spectrum of Austrian research in the fields of research & education, life sciences, health, green tech and the creative industries. The projects reflect not only the scientific excellence of TU Wien, but also its ambition to break new ground together with international partners.

High-ranking delegation and political support

The TU Wien delegation was led by Vice Rector Prof. Peter Ertl (Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and International Affairs). Other participants included Dr. Elisabeth Schludermann (Senior Advisor Research), Prof. Marko Mihovilovic (Dean of the Faculty of Technical Chemistry), Prof. Georg Steinhauser (Radiochemistry), Assoc. Prof. Philipp Haslinger (Quantum Optics), Assoc. Prof. Noelia Barrabes (Model Catalysis), Sebastian Mößlacher (Student Model Catalysis), Dr. Birgit Hofreiter (Innovation Incubation Centre), as well as Dr. Iris Mach and DI Thomas Rief from the Japan Austria Science Exchange Centre (JASEC). 

From 21 to 25 May, the TU Wien delegation joined the official Austrian delegation of around 150 representatives from business, science and politics who travelled to the EXPO on the occasion of Austria's Nation Day. High-ranking representatives included Federal President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen, Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Vice-President Philipp Gady and Government Commissioner Ursula Plassnik. The whole delegation emphasised the importance of bilateral relations and offered numerous opportunities for networking.

Scientific exchange and new partnerships

The trip focused on exchanges with leading Japanese universities and the initiation of new strategic partnerships. During talks with the University of Tokyo, concrete steps were discussed for intensifying cooperation in areas such as chemistry, quantum physics, timber construction and architecture. Furthermore, at a meeting with the renowned National Institute of Informatics (NII), closer cooperation was agreed in promising fields of research such as AI, digital humanism, cybersecurity, machine learning and robotics.

Networking at the highest level

The trip also offered numerous opportunities for exchange and networking. A partner meeting in the Austria Pavilion at EXPO brought together over 50 guests from 17 different partner institutions of TU Wien. Another highlight was the alumni meeting with around 30 students and graduates from Japan and Austria, which laid the foundation for a vibrant international alumni network. A visit to the Science City Keihanna research site also provided exciting insights into the Japanese research landscape.

Austria: a location for innovation

During an economic forum, Vice Rector Peter Ertl emphasised the role of universities as centres of research and innovation in the panel discussion ‘Austria – Where Innovation, Research and Business Thrive’. In his short presentation ‘Austria in the World Quantum Year’, Prof. Philipp Haslinger presented the latest developments in quantum research, underscoring Austria's international leadership in this field. At the event ‘Austria & Japan: Pioneering Innovation Together’, Dr Birgit Hofreiter accompanied Austrian start-ups as they presented themselves to selected Japanese partners and investors.

A strong signal for the future

The TU Wien delegation's trip to Japan and EXPO 2025 thus provided concrete impetus for new research collaborations, strengthened the network of Austrian and Japanese scientists, and helped to showcase Austria's innovative strength on the global stage. The intensive scientific cooperation with Japanese partners is to be deepened and expanded in the future – in line with the motto ‘Composing the Future Together’.

Contact

Dr. Iris Mach
TU Wien
International Office / JASEC
+43 1 58801 406 107
iris.mach@tuwien.ac.at