McGill and RIKEN to establish joint research centre
News released yesterday about how using iron could make hydrogenation cheaper and greener is only one of many examples of collaborative research being conducted by teams that include researchers from McGill University and RIKEN, Japan’s largest comprehensive research institution.
Though McGill and RIKEN scientists have been developing joint research projects for a few years, the two leading institutions took their research relationship to the next level last week by signing an agreement aimed at establishing a joint research centre to strengthen their cooperation.
“We welcome this opportunity to enhance our ties with RIKEN, a prestigious partner and international leader in basic and applied research,” said Prof. Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill. “This agreement will allow our researchers to build on what have already been fruitful collaborations in fields of strategic importance for Quebec, Canada and Japan, such as nanotechnology, green chemistry and advanced biomedical sciences.”
“I am very happy that we were able to sign this joint statement to strengthen the relationship between RIKEN and McGill University. McGill University has been a wonderful partner for us. I look forward to having our researchers interact ever more actively with each other and work on collaborative projects,” said Dr. Maki Kawai, Executive Director of RIKEN. “In particular, I would like to support and encourage exchanges between people at the two institutions to further enhance our collaboration.”
The Centre will capitalize on the convergence of life sciences, natural sciences, and engineering by serving as a platform for McGill-RIKEN collaborations, including joint research projects, researcher exchange and the training of graduate students.
About McGill University
Founded in Montreal, Que., in 1821, McGill is a leading Canadian post-secondary institution. It has two campuses, 11 faculties, 11 professional schools, 300 programs of study and some 38,000 students, including 8,800 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, with more than 7,700 international students making up 20 per cent of the student body. For more information about McGill University: https://www.mcgill.ca/
About RIKEN
RIKEN is Japan's largest comprehensive research institution renowned for high-quality research in a diverse range of scientific disciplines. Founded in 1917 as a private research foundation in Tokyo, RIKEN has grown rapidly in size and scope, today encompassing a network of world-class research centers and institutes across Japan. For more information about RIKEN: http://www.riken.go.jp/en/