Japanese researchers on study visit in Gothenburg
Last week, fifteen early-career researchers and doctoral students from the Japanese–Swedish network MIRAI visited Gothenburg. The programme included a full day at the university, followed by intensive visits to several major companies in the city. The aim is to strengthen ties between academia and industry in Japan and Sweden.
The University of Gothenburg participates in MIRAI, a long-term research collaboration between the two countries focusing on contributing to solutions to global challenges. An important part of the collaboration is bringing universities closer to the business sector. For this reason, fifteen early-career researchers were invited to a week of study visits at, among others, Volvo, SKF, AstraZeneca, Mölnlycke Health Care and the Port of Gothenburg.
Japan’s Honorary Consul General in Gothenburg, Peter Forssell, took part during two of the days.
“In Gothenburg, we are quite successful in connecting academia with companies, and we are happy to showcase this during MIRAI Week. Japan is an academically strong nation with a market known for high quality standards, and in industrial collaborations they are keen to learn from our processes and then refine them further. There is a great curiosity among the Japanese—they are eager to come here and see our leading industries and our universities,” he says.
New ideas and perspectives
Among the participating doctoral students was Ariuntuya Byambadorj, who conducts research on urban planning and quality of life in large cities, at Hiroshima University. She particularly appreciated the visit to Volvo.
“Growing up in Mongolia, a country with vast distances, a sparse population and long transports, it was very interesting to see Volvo’s work with energy efficiency and autonomous trucks. This week in Gothenburg has given me many new ideas and perspectives,” she says.
Also held in Stockholm last year
The week was organised by Kyushu University in Japan, together with the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg and the International Centre. It was a stand-alone continuation of a similar week held in Stockholm last year. The University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Carina Mallard welcomed the participants to Gothenburg, and in addition to the Consul General, the First Secretary at the Japanese Embassy also took part.
Read more
- Here you can read more about MIRAI: mirai.nu
- Here you can read more about the international networks and projects in which the University of Gothenburg participates: Networks, partners and collaborations
