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Japan Science Day on 5 October 2024

International partnerships are a cornerstone of TU Wien's future strategy. The long-standing collaboration with Japan, coordinated and supported by the Japan Austria Science Exchange Center (JASEC) since 2015, represents the largest non-European bilateral network, comprising 16 partner institutions.

Gruppenfoto in heinem hellen Raum mit Gewölbe

© Georg Prenn

Die Teilnehmer_innen des Japan Science Day an der TUW

Gruppenfoto

On 5 October 2024, around 100 Austrian and Japanese researchers gathered at TU Wien for the inaugural "Japanese Science Day." The inspiration for this assembly arose from a meeting of Austrian research institutions in preparation for the upcoming EXPO. The event aimed to celebrate the strong scientific ties between the two countries, further enhance cooperation, and create new collaborative opportunities. On behalf of TU Wien, the Japan Austria Science Exchange Center (JASEC) has been coordinating and promoting links with Japanese researchers since 2015.

Among the participants were representatives from key funding organizations such as the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), the OEAD, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, öffnet eine externe URL in einem neuen Fenster (JSPS). The event also brought together scientists from a diverse array of disciplines—ranging from computer science, physics, and chemistry to architecture, urban planning, sociology, Japanese studies, psychology, and art—representing TU Wien, the University of Vienna, TU Graz, the University of Salzburg, and BOKU.

In his opening remarks, Ryuta Mizuuchi, Japan’s Ambassador to Austria, expressed his hope that this event would become an annual platform for deepening academic relations between the two countries. Dr. Masahiko Hayashi, Director of the JSPS, öffnet eine externe URL in einem neuen Fenster Bonn Office, emphasized the importance of this event as an opportunity to connect young researchers and inform them about bilateral research programs that foster cooperation.

Although unable to attend due to illness, TU Wien Vice-Rector Peter Ertl shared a statement: "I hope that both emerging and established researchers from Austria and Japan will regularly network and support one another. Perhaps today’s event will inspire the creation of an association or platform for Japanese scientists in Austria."

Looking ahead to EXPO 2025 and its theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives, öffnet eine externe URL in einem neuen Fenster" the event underscored the immense potential of bilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges and developing innovative solutions for the future.