Science Tokyo and University of Chile sign comprehensive MOU to enhance academic and research collaboration

From Sunday, July 26 to Tuesday, July 28, 2026, President and Chief Executive Officer Naoto Ohtake and Executive Vice President Tomohiro Morio visited the University of Chile to discuss opportunities for further advancing academic exchange and research collaboration between the two universities. During the visit, on Monday, July 27, a signing ceremony for a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Science Tokyo and the University of Chile was held at the university’s main building, marking a new milestone in strengthening collaboration between the two institutions.

The signing of the MOU builds upon the longstanding relationship that has been cultivated with the University of Chile since the former Tokyo Medical and Dental University era and establishes a framework for further developing academic and research cooperation based on the strengths of both universities. Through collaboration in areas including medicine, engineering, life sciences, and data science, the agreement aims to promote joint research, researcher exchange, student exchange, and educational cooperation, further deepening the partnership between the two universities.

Prior to the signing ceremony, a welcome reception was held at the main building of the University of Chile, where representatives from both universities exchanged views on future collaboration.

President Alejandra Mizala welcomed the Science Tokyo delegation and expressed her expectations for creating new knowledge through interdisciplinary research collaboration, particularly in fields such as medicine and engineering.

President and CEO Ohtake emphasized that the agreement represents an important step not only for the two universities but also for the advancement of scientific and educational exchange between Japan and Chile. He expressed his commitment to promoting concrete joint research initiatives and further expanding exchanges among researchers and students.

Representatives from the Faculties of Medicine and Physical and Mathematical Sciences of University of Chile also expressed their expectations for expanded collaboration in various areas, including researcher exchange, student exchange, joint educational programs, and interdisciplinary research combining medicine and engineering.

The signing ceremony was attended by President Alejandra Mizala and key representatives from the Faculties of Medicine and Physical and Mathematical Sciences of University of Chile. Ambassador Kengo Sone of the Embassy of Japan in Chile and representatives from the JICA Chile Office also attended the ceremony, expressing their expectations for further development of scientific, technological, and educational exchange between Japan and Chile.

On July 26, the Science Tokyo delegation visited the National Astronomical Observatory of University of Chile (Observatorio Astronómico Nacional de la University of Chile).

Located on Cerro Calán in Santiago, the observatory was established in 1852 and has played an important role in the development of astronomical research and education in Chile. During the visit, the delegation learned about the history of the observatory, its observation facilities, and the characteristics of astronomical research in the Southern Hemisphere, gaining a deeper understanding of the background behind Chile’s position as one of the world’s leading centers for astronomical research.

On July 27, the delegation visited the Faculty of Medicine for discussions with faculty leadership and tours of research facilities.

At the Faculty of Medicine, the delegation received an overview of medical education, research structures, and major research areas from Dean Miguel O’Ryan and other faculty members. The Faculty of Medicine conducts a wide range of research spanning basic medicine, biomedical sciences, clinical research, and translational medicine, addressing globally significant challenges such as infectious diseases, cancer, aging, metabolic disorders, and neuroscience.

During discussions, the two universities exchanged views on opportunities for collaboration in areas where Science Tokyo has particular strengths, including medical engineering, healthcare data analysis, artificial intelligence-driven research, personalized medicine, and bioengineering.

The delegation also visited several research facilities within the faculty and learned about cutting-edge research activities in areas including developmental biology, advanced imaging analysis, molecular and cellular biology, infectious diseases, and virology. Researchers introduced projects ranging from fundamental research to studies aimed at clinical application, and discussions were held on future possibilities for joint research and researcher exchange.

On the same day, the delegation visited the Embassy of Japan in Chile and held a meeting with Ambassador Kengo Sone.

During the meeting, participants discussed opportunities to further promote scientific and educational exchange between Japan and Chile, including university partnerships, research cooperation, and future exchange initiatives. Particular attention was given to advancing joint research and human resource exchange in medicine and engineering, as well as exploring new forms of collaboration based on the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

The participants also shared their expectations for further strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and education, building on the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Chile in 2027.

On July 28, the delegation visited the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and exchanged views with Dean Susana Mondschein and other faculty members regarding future research cooperation and opportunities for student and researcher exchange. The visit included tours of research centers covering a wide range of fields, including mathematical modeling, chemical engineering, biotechnology, data science, and disaster prevention.

At the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM), the delegation learned about research using mathematical approaches to analyze natural and social phenomena, as well as the application of artificial intelligence and data science. The center also introduced “Sumo Primero,” a mathematics education program for elementary school students based on a problem-solving approach developed by Japanese researchers and implemented in Chilean schools.

The delegation also received presentations on research activities at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Materials (DIQBM), including sustainable processes, biotechnology, and new materials development. In addition, the delegation learned about geospatial data analysis and data science initiatives at the IDIA–ISCI research center, as well as earthquake monitoring and disaster prevention research conducted by the National Seismological Center.

Through these visits, the delegation gained a deeper understanding of University of Chile’s research addressing societal challenges, industry collaboration, and international joint research initiatives, while discussing further collaboration opportunities with Science Tokyo in engineering, information science, and life sciences.

Through this visit, Science Tokyo and University of Chile agreed to further promote researcher exchange, student exchange, joint research, and educational cooperation in fields including medicine, engineering, life sciences, and data science.

As a concrete next step, the two universities are planning to organize a workshop to facilitate exchanges among researchers and explore new joint research themes. Through this workshop, the universities will investigate opportunities for collaboration in areas such as cancer research, early diagnosis, infectious disease control, and disaster response, utilizing the respective strengths of both institutions and contributing to the further development of joint research and human resource exchange.

Science Tokyo will continue to deepen its collaboration with University of Chile and promote international joint research and the development of future generations of researchers by combining the strengths of both universities.

• President of University of Chile visits Science Tokyo