Record of the 12 th Bilateral Meeting of the Japan-Canada Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation Tokyo, Japan

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1 Record of the 12 th Bilateral Meeting of the Japan-Canada Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation Tokyo, Japan January 28, 2013 Summary The Japan-Canada Joint Committee on S&T Cooperation held their 12 th bilateral meeting in Tokyo on January 28, 2013, in accordance with the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Canada on Cooperation in Science and Technology. Canada sent a high-level delegation of sixteen representatives on this occasion, which also included a program on January 29 with site visits to the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Toshiba and University of Tokyo Technology Licensing Organization (Todai TLO). The Canadian Embassy in Tokyo also hosted a networking dinner the evening of January 28. Report The Joint Committee meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Shin Maruo, Ambassador for Science and Technology Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan and by Mr. Peter McGovern, Assistant Deputy Minister, Investment, Innovation, Business Development and Asia, Chief Trade Commissioner, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT). The morning portion of the day-long agenda included presentations on updated science, technology and innovation policy, as well as funding overviews from both countries. This was followed by a report on recent progress in science, technology and innovation cooperation between Japan and Canada, with emphasis on space cooperation and marine earth science cooperation. With regards to space cooperation, the recent progress of bilateral cooperation was reported, and the visit of Japanese Space Policy and Business Mission to Canada in the spring of 2013 was scheduled. Under the Memorandum for Promotion of Space Cooperation between Japan and Canada, the two countries will work collaboratively to develop a Disaster Management Implementation Arrangement. On this occasion, the Funding Opportunities for Canadian-Japanese S&T Cooperation and Exchange document was revised and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the field of geosciences was signed between the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and Natural Resource Canada (NRCan). 1

2 The afternoon agenda focused on Prioritized Research Cooperation Fields (PRCF) and New models of S&T cooperation. The first agenda item included presentations on nanotechnology, stem cells and regenerative medicine and sustainable energy technologies. As new models of S&T cooperation, presentations were made on clusterto-cluster cooperation, science communication cooperation and arctic research cooperation. In order to further promote cluster collaborations in the two countries, it was determined that Japan and Canada would explore possible cooperation between Japan s technology clusters and Canada s NCEs (Networks of Centres of Excellence). Canada proposed the second Canada-Japan global cluster collaboration forum in the field of ICT, taking opportunity of CDMN Canada held in Toronto, Canada, on May 14-15, Based on this proposal, Japan will appropriately consider exploring possible collaborations in the field of ICT. As for science communication cooperation, Miraikan & Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation (CSTMC) will explore options, including MOUs, to allow the two organizations to jointly promote enhanced science communication through collaborative initiatives The 12 th bilateral Joint Committee meeting was successful, and both sides recognized significant advancement of bilateral activities since last Joint Committee meeting. The parties shared their views on the importance of enhancing and deepening cooperation in science, technology and innovation. Outcomes: I. Japan and Canada confirmed that the Funding Opportunities for Canadian- Japanese S&T Cooperation and Exchange document outlining a side-by-side comparison of both funding programs has been revised and will be published on respective government websites. The document, initially determined in the 11 th Joint Committee, will be published to DFAIT s external website ( in the case of Canada. Japan will publish it to MOFA ( ) and MEXT s( icsfiles/afieldfile/2011/ 01/27/ _1.pdf )websites. II. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and Natural Resource Canada (NRCan) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the field of geodynamics to further the research and comprehension of earthquakes and tsunamis. 2

3 III. IV. Canada will host a Japanese space business delegation in May 2013 to continue the bilateral space dialogue. Japan and Canada will work collaboratively to develop a Disaster Management Implementation Arrangement under the Memorandum for Promotion of Space Cooperation between Japan and Canada. This will be a phased approach that will aim to broaden both of our countries access to complementary satellite data. V. Japan s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (MIRAIKEN) and the Canadian Science and Technology Corporation will explore options, including MOUs, to allow the two organizations to jointly promote enhanced science communication through collaborative initiatives. VI. VII. VIII. IX. It was agreed that Japan and Canada would explore possible cooperation between Japan s technology clusters and Canada s NCEs (Networks of Centres of Excellence). It also agreed to explore ICT as a possible area for enhanced collaboration, and to continue discussion regarding a bilateral ICT workshop on the Margins of CDMN Canada held in Toronto, Canada, on May 14-15, Based on this proposal, Japan will appropriately consider exploring possible collaborations in the field of ICT. Nanotechnology would be continued to promote as key areas of bilateral S&T cooperation. Building on two large scale bilateral nanotechnology workshops, Japan and Canada will continue to promote bilateral projects with commercial applications that deliver new innovations through the use of nanotechnology. The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) confirmed their intent to continue discussions about the possibility of future cooperation, and explore options for joint programming of the Quantum Scholar s Program, an innovative student mobility program. Both countries discussed a revision of Prioritized Research Cooperation Fields (PRCF). It was confirmed by both Japan and Canada: Stem cells and regenerative medicine would continue as a key area of bilateral S&T cooperation. Canada proposed a third bilateral workshop in the summer of 2013 on the margins of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), which was accepted by Japan. 3

4 Sustainable energy technologies would also be areas of cooperation and would be expanded to advanced energy and environment technologies, taking into account new initiatives in the mining and natural resources sector. Canada will host a bilateral mining and natural resources workshop, and Japan will host a sustainable energy workshop ahead of the 3 rd call for proposals under the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)-Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) MOU. S&T cooperation in the developing countries would be replaced with Arctic research as a PRCF, following Canada s proposal. Canada and Japan will explore opportunities for collaboration around the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS). The next meeting will be held in Canada at a mutually convenient date. The tentative targeted date would be late 2014 or early

5 Participants at the Canada-Japan Joint Committee on Science and Technology CANADIAN DELEGATION Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT): Mr. Peter McGovern, ADM and Chief Trade Commissioner Mr. Scott Fraser, DG, Global Business Development Branch Mr. Paul Thoppil, Minister, Embassy of Canada in Tokyo Dr. Julie Sunday, Deputy Director, Innovation, Science and Technology Division Mr. Marc Mikhael, Trade Commissioner, Innovation, Science and Technology Division Ms. Marilou Denis, Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada in Tokyo Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC): Dr. Suzanne Fortier, President National Research Council Canada (NRC): Dr. Dan Wayner, Vice President, Emerging Technologies Mr. Ryan Hordy, Senior International Officer, International Relations Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC): Ms. Danielle Labonté, DG, Northern Policy and Science Integration Natural Resources Canada (NRCan): Dr. Daniel Lebel, DG, Atlantic and Western Canada Branch - Geological Survey of Canada Mr. James Ikkers, Senior Advisor, International Affairs, Natural Resources Canada Canadian Space Agency (CSA): Mr. André Vigneault, Director, Policy and External Relations Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology (WIN): Dr. Arthur Carty, Executive Director Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation: Ms. Denise Amyot, President and CEO Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR): Dr. Denis Therien, Vice President 5

6 JAPANESE DELEGATION Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): Mr. Shin Maruo, Ambassador for Science and Technology Cooperation Mr. Yoshiaki Takahashi, Director, International Science Cooperation Division Ms. Chikako Nishidai, Official, International Science Cooperation Division Mr. Shinji Kawakami, Official, Space Policy Division Mr. Takashi Nishiyama, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Canada Cabinet Office (CAO): Mr. Katsuhisa Sagisaka, Director, International Affairs, Bureau of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Ms. Kihoko Suda, Deputy Director, International Affairs, Bureau of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Ms. Hitomi Nemoto, Official, International Affairs, Bureau of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Mr. Hirotoshi Kunitomo, Director, Office of National Space Policy Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT): Mr. Hideyuki Yamaguchi, Senior Specialist for International Exchange Programs, International Science and Technology Affairs Division Mr. Hiroyuki Kudo, Unit Chief, International Science and Technology Affairs Division Mr. Naohito Kimura, Director, University-industry Collaboration and Regional R&D Division Mr. Takahisa Murakami, Director, Office for Space Utilization Promotion Mr. Hideki Sasaki, Official of Ocean and Earth Division Mr. Kyohei Kaneko, Administrative researcher, Ocean and Earth Division Dr. Chihiro Akazawa, Advisor to the director, Life Sciences Division Mr. Takashi Toyota, Deputy Director, Life Sciences Division Mr. Daisuke Baba, Deputy Director, Office for Materials Science and Nanotechnology Development Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI): Mr. Taro Aoyama, Deputy Director, International Affairs Office, Industrial Science & Technology Policy and Environment Bureau 6

7 Mr. Koji Nakui, Senior Analyst for International Coal Policy, Coal Division, Natural Resources and Fuel Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): Mr. Kiyoshi Saito, Deputy Director, International Program Department Ms. Miwa Shimizu, Section Chief, Research Cooperation Division I, International Program Department Ms. Hisae Aoki, International Program Department Japan Agency for Maritime-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC): Dr. Asahiko Taira, President Mr. Hisashi Dobashi, Executive Director Mr. Katsufumi Akazawa, Director, International Affairs Division, Advanced Research and Technology Promotion Department Dr. Shuichi Kodaira, Program Director, Plate Dynamics Research Program, Institute for Research on Earth Evolution (IFREE) Dr. Takashi Kikuchi, Team Leader, Arctic Ocean Climate System Research Team, Northern Hemisphere Cryosphere Program, Research Institute for Global Change (RIGC) Mr. Shu Serizawa, Administrative Staff, International Affairs Division, Advanced Research and Technology Promotion Department Mr. Morio Ichihara, Administrative staff, International Affairs Division, Advanced Research and Technology Promotion Department Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA) Ms. Akiko Suzuki, Manager, International Relations Division, International Relations Department Mr. Kazuo Ohshio, Deputy Manager, International Relations Division, International Relations Department Mr. Kouichi Morimoto, Associate Senior Administrator, International Relations Division, International Relations Department Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST): Dr. Hideo Nakajima, Deputy Manager, Department of International Affairs Ms. Yumiko Miyashita, Chief, Department of International Affairs Ms. Kyoko Tsukamoto, Department of International Affairs National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan): Mr. Motohide Konaka, Executive Director Mr. Isao Yamasaki, Science Communicator, Office of External Affairs 7

8 New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO): Mr. Eiichi Homma, Director General, International Affairs Department Ms. Nozomi Sagara, Director General, Environment Department Ms. Yoshiko Yamamoto, Chief Officer, Environment Department Ms. Arisa Numata, Staff, Environment Department Ms. Yuki Usui, Staff, International Affairs Department National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR): Prof. Hiroyuki Enomoto, Director, Arctic Environment Research Center Mr. Koichi Abe, Deputy-Director, Arctic Environment Research Center Mr. Hiroyasu Kumagai, Section Chief, Arctic Environment Research Centre National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) Dr. Tetsuji Noda, Managing Director, Center for Nanotechnology Platform 8