The participation of the Minister of Education, Science and Sports dr. Igor Papič at the Science and Technology in Society forum in Kyoto, September 29-4. October 2022
Before the Forum, the Minister Dr. Papič has a working dinner with university professors in Tokyo and the president of the Slovenian-Japanese friendship group Jelisava Sethna Dobovšek.
Minister dr. Papič visited the University of Tsukuba, where he met Vice President Caroline Benton. He also visited the KEK Research Institute, where, under the guidance of the Slovenian scientist Dr. Marko Bračko from the University of Maribor, who participates in the project, visited the research project of detecting the disappearance of antimatter from space Super KEK2/Belle 2. Slovenian scientists are important collaborators in the project.
Minister dr. At the EU-Japan 2022 scientific forum in Kyoto, which was held the day before the STS forum, Papič emphasized the importance of international cooperation and presented the NEDO project on smart energy networks in Slovenia, and expressed his wish for the cooperation of universities and the importance of including new technologies in the framework of the project in the future . In this context, he emphasized the importance of Japan’s Society 5.0 initiative, which brings the development of a smart future for people and puts them at the forefront. The minister welcomed the excellent cooperation with Japanese institutions in various fields and projects, including at the university level and with research agencies.
Minister dr. Papič spoke at the ministerial round table of the STS Forum about the importance of a balance between basic and applied science.
Minister dr. On the sidelines of the Forum, Papič met with STS Forum Chairman Hiroshi Komiyama, European Commissioner Maria Gabriel, Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Technology Keiko Nagaoka, President of the European Research Council. , Mrs. Maria Leptin and the president of NEDO, Mr. Hiroaki Ishizuko.
Minister dr. At the meeting with European Commissioner Marija Gabriel, Papič welcomed the measures taken to strengthen and connect innovation ecosystems. He emphasized that the New EU innovation agenda does not fully utilize the potential of involving universities and research organizations in technology transfer. The two interlocutors therefore discussed the possibilities for their full partnership.
In their meeting with the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Technology Keiko Nagaoka, the two ministers focused on the continuation of joint cooperation between the two countries in the field of nanotechnology and robotics. Minister Nagaoka also welcomed the proposal of Minister Dr. Papiča on the possibility of preparing an agreement between the research agencies of the two countries to strengthen cooperation in these areas. The two ministers confirmed the organization of the third Joint Scientific and Technological Consultations, which will be hosted by Slovenia.
Minister dr. Papič concluded his working visit to Japan with a meeting with NEDO President Hiroaki Ishizuka. The President of NEDO praised the NEDO joint project for the establishment of a smart electricity network in Slovenia and promised to come to the final event in Ljubljana in the fall.