Visit to the Consulate General of Japan in Boston

On December 1, Program-Specific Assistant Professor Izumi Mindy Takamiya of WPI-iCeMS visited the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. She was accompanied by WPI-related representatives from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and Tohoku University. The delegation met with Consul General Seiichiro Takahashi to discuss the current state of collaboration concerning innovation and start-ups involving Japanese academia. They also exchanged views on the latest developments within Japan's research landscape.

Assistant Professor Takamiya presented an overview of iCeMS' initiatives for start-up support and its existing collaborations with the United States. A productive discussion followed regarding the potential for future partnerships between Kyoto University and the US East Coast, including the Boston area. She also gave a detailed explanation of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), a material recently recognized with the Nobel Prize, which the Consul General listened to with keen interest.

This visit is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for future developments and strengthen cooperation between Kyoto and the US East Coast.