October 30, 2014
On October 14, Kobe University in collaboration with JEUPISTE hosted the 5th Kobe University Brussels European Centre (KUBEC) Symposium titled Innovation, Environment, and Globalisation—Latest EU-Japan Research Collaboration in Brussels, Belgium. From Japan and the EU, more than 150 people participated in the symposium including government officials, researchers, university students, and business professionals
Moderated by Prof. TAKEDA Hiroshi, Executive Vice President in charge of Research, opening speeches were made by Dr FUKUDA Hideki, President of Kobe University, H.E. Mr. KATAKAMI Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to the European Union, Dr. Wolfgang Burtscher, Deputy Director-General, DG Research & Innovation, European Commission, and Dr. ICHIOKA Toshiyasu, Project Manager, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation. They expressed their hope for further advancement in research collaboration between Japan and the EU.
Five breakout sessions addressed five topics: (a) Bio-production, (b) Membrane engineering, (c) Climate change and water resources management, (d) Aquaphotomics, and (e) Forefront Studies in Japanese Culture and Society. Researchers from Japan, the EU, U.S., and Asia participated in the sessions, presented their latest research findings, and discussed opportunities for future cooperation. Participants showed keen interest in the presentations and actively engaged in the Q&A sessions.
The Symposium addressed themes common to Japan and the EU, promoted the exchange of the latest information among participants, and was highly acclaimed by both Japanese and the EU government officials. Through the utilization of the Kobe University Brussels European Centre, Kobe University will further promote collaborative activities between Japan and the EU, along with activities as a member of the Japan-EU Partnership in Innovation, Science and Technology (JEUPISTE).
![]() Prof. Hideki Fukuda, President of Kobe University |
![]() HE. Mr. Keiichi Katakami, Ambassador of Japan to the European Union |
![]() Dr. Wolfgang Burtscher, Deputy Director-General, DG Research & Innovation, European Commission |
![]() Audience |
![]() Prof. Colin Webb, University of Manchester, UK |
(International Affairs Planning Division)