Hokkaido University, Japan, visit UCC and Microbiology Department.

12 Sep 2012

The primary focus of this visit was to explore research collaborations between Irish Universities/Research Institutes and Hokkaido University in Japan. There is a particular interest in Food, Functional foods and the ambition to add value to foods beyond their basic food/nutrient value.

Following its selection as a Region for the Japanese government-driven Regional Innovation Strategy Promotion Program / International Competitiveness Enhancement Regions last year, the Hokkaido University Research and Business Park (HU R&BP) launched its activities for establishment of a world-leading “Health Science / Medical Services Hub” by using support programs provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) this fiscal year.

As part of its strategy, HU R&BP is planning to host an international symposium inviting government officials and researchers from Ireland, a country highly competitive in the biotechnology sector including pharmaceutical production and organic chemical industries, possibly at some stage in 2013.

This initial exploratory meeting was used to showcase UCC’s research activities and potential opportunities from the research point of view. 

Picture: Professor Gerald Fitzgerald, Microbiology, UCC, Dr Sally Cudmore, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, UCC, Professor Alan Dobson, Environmental Research Institute and Microbiology, UCC, Mr Yasuhiro Hasegawa, Hokkaido University, Professor Tsunehisa Araiso, Hokkaido University, Dr Kunihiro Kitano, Northern Advancement Centre for Science and Technology, Professor Yoshinobu Kiso Hokkaido University, Professor Colin Hill, Microbiology, UCC, Mr Eddie Hughes, Director Japan, Enterprise Ireland.