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Japan is a leading global science and research power with the second largest expenditure on research and development in the world.
The Japanese Government is focussed on intensifying its efforts in basic, creative scientific research and formulated their first Basic Policy for Science and Technology in 1985 with this aim. The plans are reviewed and updated regularly with the 3rd S&T Basic Plan (2006) the current plan.
Australia has a long standing science and research relationship with Japan with a treaty established in 1980. The scientific communities of Australia and Japan have complementary strengths and shared interests in a range of areas including marine science, biomedical sciences, chemistry, and astronomy. Japan’s continued investment in science and research presents opportunities for collaboration with Australian researchers. For example, cooperating on cutting-edge science and research in the field of marine science will help us to find solutions to global problems, such as those associated with climate change.
The Governments of Australia and Japan foster the relationship through biennial Joint Science and Technology (JSTC) meetings, which are jointly chaired by the Department and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These meetings have helped lay the foundation for a productive, long term scientific and research partnership through a range of cooperative activities under the International Science Linkages (ISL) Program.
At the 13th JSTC meeting held in Canberra in October 2008, three key initiatives were agreed to strengthen researcher networks:
- Three bilaterally funded projects in marine science. The coordinating agency in Japan is the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Support for the successful projects is funded through Japan’s Strategic International Cooperation Program and the ISL program. This is the first time these two programs have been bought together, benefiting the research efforts of both countries. Project work commenced in October 2009.
- A joint high-level researcher symposium that will explore areas for mutual research collaboration in the field of biodiversity, to be held in Australia 27-28 October 2009. Jointly administered by the Australian Academy of Science and JST, up to 15 researchers will be involved from each country.
- An Emerging Research Leaders Program for 10-15 young scientists from each country which will target early to mid-career researchers with high-level scientific ability and the potential to be future science leaders. The Program is jointly administered by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and will commence exchanges in 2010.
In addition, the Competitive Grants component of the International Science Linkages (ISL) Program has supported seven projects since 2001 valued at almost $300,000.
Australia and Japan also collaborate through a range of other initiatives and programs. These include:
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