Provost leads delegation to build new links in Japan

A UCL delegation, headed by Provost, Professor Michael Arthur, is on a two-week visit to Japan to forge new ties and build on historical links dating back 150 years. The delegation, which includes experts on dementia and disaster management, will spend two weeks until October 5 developing potential new collaborations with Japanese industry and universities. They will also build on historical links, dating back to the Choshu Five in the 19th century, through partnerships with leading Japanese institutions and governmental bodies. Highlights of the visit include a speech by Professor Arthur on 'Education in a digitalised society' at the high-profile STS Forum, which brings together policy makers, business leaders and media leaders from all over the world to discuss science and technology issues in the 21st century. Meetings are scheduled with Tokyo, Tohoku, Kyoto and Osaka universities; with leading pharmaceutical companies Eisai and Hamamatsu Photonics, and the Governor of Fukushima Prefectural Government. UCL has been working in the area since 2011 when it was hit by the triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown. In addition, delegation members will attend several networking receptions and speaking engagements, as well as visits to labs and to dementia sufferers and carers.