Climate change symposium marks beginning of closer UK-Japanese ties - <em>News Release</em>
For immediate release
Thursday 28 September 2006
The President of the University of Tokyo, Professor Hiroshi Komiyama, visited Imperial College London today to seal an agreement for collaboration between the two universities in research, education and training.
Professor Komiyama and Rector of Imperial, Sir Richard Sykes , signed an agreement that provides an opportunity for both institutions to work together leading to cooperation in a number of fields.
The signing of the agreement is followed by a joint two-day symposium on climate change, involving researchers from both institutions as well as speakers from industry.
Welcoming the delegation from Tokyo, Sir Richard Sykes, said: "This agreement brings together two world leaders in research in science, technology, and innovation. It represents a significant strengthening of ties in these fields between Japan and the UK, which we are confident will produce valuable results in these fields. The symposium is an excellent start."
The symposium, held at Imperial College from Thursday 28 September to Friday 29 September, addresses the issues of energy and climate change, and is sponsored by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
'Energy and Green House Gas Mitigation Technologies' will enable both universities, which are leading institutions in this field globally, to exchange current knowledge and research outcomes between the UK and Japan.
Professor Sevket Durucan from Imperial's Department of Earth Science and Engineering, who is speaking at the symposium, explains: "Global warming and the energy crisis are key issues as modern society increasingly depends on an endless supply of natural resources and energy. In the long term many nations are not doing enough to reduce emissions or prevent the damaging impacts of green house gases. In order to combat these problems, scientists and industry are focusing on 'green' alternatives for conventional energy."
Speakers at the symposium include Professor Hiroshi Komiyama, President of the University of Tokyo, Dr Steve Koonin, Chief Scientist at BP, Mr John Loughhead, Executive Director, UK Energy Research Centre and other eminent guests from Tokyo. Senior members of the University of Tokyo will also be attending alongside a number of Imperial academics.
In addition to today's high level agreement, Imperial's Tanaka Business School has signed an agreement with the Institute of Industrial Science at the University of Tokyo in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship. It will be formally launched in Tokyo in November and further faculty to faculty collaborative agreements are under discussion.
For further information contact:
Naomi Weston
Imperial College London Press Office
Tel: 020 7594 6704
Email: n.weston@imperial.ac.uk
Notes to editors
About Imperial College London
Consistently rated in the top three UK university institutions, Imperial College London is a world leading science-based university whose reputation for excellence in teaching and research attracts students (11,000) and staff (6,000) of the highest international quality.
Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and management and delivers practical solutions that enhance the quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.
Website: www.imperial.ac.uk
About the University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo is one of the leading research universities in Japan. The University has five campuses in Hongo, Komaba, Kashiwa, Shirokane and Nakano and 10 faculties. The faculties include, law, medicine, science, engineering, economics and mathematical sciences.
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