The Japan Association of National Universities (JANU) and the Universities Australia (UA) jointly held the Australia-Japan Research and Collaboration Forum on November 28, 2024 at the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. The forum was attended by university presidents, executive directors, and vice presidents from both Japan and Australia. A total of 16 participants from 9 institutions in Japan and 20 participants from 19 institutions, including government agencies, in Australia. The Forum included presentations,  case studies, discussions and information sharing.

　The opening remarks were delivered by Luke Sheehy, CEO of UA; Tatsuo Ushiki, Vice Chairperson of the International Exchange Committee of JANU and President of Niigata University; and Jonathan Dampney, Director of the International Office, Australian National University. They expressed their sincere appreciation for a continued significance of friendship between Japan and Australia as well as for the efforts of all parties involved in the organizations of this Forum. They also shared  their endeavor that this forum would provide an opportunity for further development of higher education and research on both sides. Following the opening remarks, a gift exchange took place between JANU and UA.

　The forum continued with three sessions and one Program Showcase. Each of  the sessions focused respectively on: “Enhancing Research collaboration,”“Supporting the Energy Transition,” and “Research Integrity and Security.” In these  sessions,　participants from Japanese and Australian universities and Australian government agencies presented their related initiatives and achievements. The Program Showcase highlighted the program named, “Superstars of STEM initiative” by which the the Science and Technology Australia  is currently making efforts to increase media coverage and special features on women leaders in STEM, aiming to reshape societal perceptions through media influence. Active Q&A and discussions were throughout the sessions, reflecting the participants’ strong interest in common challenges faced by universities and societies in both countries and their potential solutions.

　In closing remarks, Yasuki Ishizaki, President of Gunma University, and Luke Sheehy, CEO of UA, expressed their gratitude to the organizers, the host university, the presenters and all the participants. They also stressed that this forum was a significant event that would contribute to further development of  exchange between Japanese and Australian universities.

　After the forum, a networking reception was held at the National Museum of Australia, co-hosted by UA and the Embassy of Japan in Australia. Welcoming speeches were delivered by Luke Sheehy, CEO of UA, and H.E. Kazuhiro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to Australia. The reception provided a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where participants from both countries strengthened their friendly relationships. The reception concluded with closing remarks by Tatsuo Ushiki, Vice Chairperson of the International Exchange Committee, JANU, marking the successful conclusion of the forum.