The 2009 Japan-UK Higher Education Symposium Held

February 11 and 12, 2009

On February 11 (Wed.) and 12 (Thu.), the 2009 Japan-UK Higher Education Symposium was held at the Commonwealth Club, London, U.K. by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the British Council. The Symposium was attended by Kyoto University President Hiroshi Matsumoto and President’s Office Director Hidetoshi Kotera.

The Symposium drew 49 Japanese participants, including individuals from 16 universities, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and other organizations, as well as 46 U.K. participants, including individuals from 20 universities, such as the University of Edinburgh, the Higher Education and Funding Council and other organizations. On the first day, active discussions were held in three parallel sessions, on the theme "Changing Social Needs and University Educational Research – How to Accommodate a Diversity of Social Needs."

At Session 3, "Internationalization of Research," President Matsumoto gave a presentation on Japan-U.K. diplomatic history dating back to the time of William Adams, and the present situations, as well as how universities should address resource depletion and environmental problems. Referring to iPS cell research, he also spoke about how to contribute to society through intellectual properties, from the global perspective. The U.K. participants asked him many questions, especially regarding iPS cell research, indicating their strong interest in the subject.

In the evening, a reception was held at the Embassy of Japan in the UK. After a speech by Japanese Ambassador Shin Ebihara, both Japan and U.K. participants enjoyed interacting in a friendly atmosphere.

On the second day, feedback on the three parallel sessions and Q & A were provided, followed by plenary discussion on "Taking Things Forward - What are the Learning Points from the 2009 Japan-UK Higher Education Symposium?" Based on the discussion, Prof. Paul Wellings, Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, offered a summary of the Symposium’s next steps. It was decided that the next Symposium will be held in Japan in 2010.

At the closing of the Symposium, President Matsumoto extended greetings on behalf of the Japanese participants, expressing his expectation for a reunion in Japan.

After the Symposium, President Matsumoto and Director Kotera attended the opening ceremony of the Euro Representative of Kyoto University Society-Academia Collaboration for Innovation, an office newly established in London. Before the beginning of the ceremony, they met with Motoyuki Ono, President of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, at the ceremony venue (the Royal Society). The ceremony was followed by a reception, where they enjoyed friendly interaction with U.K. and Japanese reception participants.

A parallel session	At the Symposium venue
President Matsumoto delivering a closing speech	At the reception