The University of Manchester and Osaka University have announced the launch of a new strategic partnership.
The new alliance formed between The University of Manchester and Osaka University was launched on the same day as a mayoral Memorandum of Understanding, signed by Andy Burnham and Hideyuki Yokoyama.
The strategic partnership complements ongoing civic engagement between the two cities.
About The University of Manchester and Osaka University partnership
The new partnership will promote an increased level of research engagement, with complementary areas of interest already identified.
Thematic research areas, which mirror the research and innovative priorities of the respective governments, are as follows:
- Environmental sustainability;
- Advanced materials;
- Biological science; and
- Quantum technologies.
Professor Beverely Yamamoto, Executive Vice President for International Affairs (Education) at Osaka University, added: “This is an exciting new chapter in the partnership between The University of Manchester and Osaka University.
“As we move to a new strategic partnership level, we will be able to work together to identify and secure new sources of research funding to greatly enhance our joint research profiles.”
Strengthening science and innovation ties
The UK and Japanese governments confirmed their commitment to strengthening science and innovation ties after agreeing to renew the two countries’ longstanding Science and Technology Agreement in May 2023.
Opportunities like the UK’s International Sciences Partnerships Fund and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science funding programmes will support the collaboration.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester recognises forging closer links with Japan, a leading and innovative economy, as a mutually beneficial opportunity and The University of Manchester has an important role to play.
“We’re an outward-looking city and co-operation such as this, combining the academic expertise we have here with the knowledge which exists in Osaka, will strengthen our research specialisms and open up new avenues for innovation.”
