Strengthening AI Ties in Japan
In a dynamic cross-continental endeavor, the United Kingdom’s Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA), Professor Dame Angela McLean, embarked on a mission to Japan and Korea from September 29 to October 7.
Her goal? To foster innovative partnerships and gain deeper insights into the burgeoning science and technology landscapes of these nations.
A Continuation of a Robust Scientific Partnership
It’s important to note that the governmental scientific activity between the UK, Japan, and Korea has been extensive since 2022, with a strong focus on collaborative research and development across multiple fields. These three nations have united in endeavors ranging from combating climate change to enhancing healthcare and advancing manufacturing technologies.
Battling Climate Change and Advancing Clean Energy
A noteworthy achievement in this collaboration is the development of new technologies, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating clean energy. Notably, in 2022, the UK and Japan jointly launched a research program on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). This initiative is steadfastly dedicated to creating innovative methods for capturing carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and securely storing it underground.
Moreover, in a separate agreement, the UK and Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in the field of hydrogen energy, highlighting their commitment to promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Pioneering Healthcare Solutions
In the realm of healthcare and life sciences, these countries are united in their pursuit of groundbreaking treatments and technologies to combat various diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, and COVID-19. Collaborations in this field have also flourished since 2022. For instance, the UK and Japan initiated a joint research program dedicated to the development of novel cancer therapies.
Meanwhile, the UK and Korea solidified their commitment to cooperate in the realm of digital health, paving the way for the development and deployment of digital health technologies, including telemedicine and AI-powered diagnostics.
Revolutionizing Manufacturing and Materials Science
Beyond healthcare and environmental concerns, the trio has directed their combined efforts toward advanced manufacturing and materials science. This has implications for multiple industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. An illustrative example includes the joint research program between the UK and Japan, which aims to develop innovative materials for additive manufacturing, potentially revolutionizing product creation methods.
A Unified Front Against Global Challenges
In 2022, the UK, Japan, and Korea cemented their dedication to enhancing overall scientific research and development capabilities by signing a Joint Declaration on Science and Technology Cooperation. This declaration underscores their shared commitment to addressing global challenges, including climate change and pandemics, as a unified front.
Strengthening UK-ROK Ties
Transitioning to the Republic of Korea, Professor Dame Angela McLean embarked on her mission to strengthen ties in the science and technology sector. Subsequently, she engaged in productive discussions with representatives from the Republic of Korea’s Ministries of Science and ICT, Trade, Industry, and Energy, as well as Foreign Affairs.
These discussions spanned a broad spectrum, covering topics from extensive UK-ROK cooperation to the preparations for an upcoming state visit to the UK by President Yoon Suk Yeol of Korea.
Exploring Potential Collaborations
In Korea, Dame Angela explored the potential for UK-ROK cooperation with Korean institutions, fostering an environment of innovation and progress. She hosted a round-table discussion with a select group of Korean experts and representatives from the country’s leading technology companies.
Furthermore, she engaged in meaningful dialogues with representatives from two of the largest UK companies in South Korea, GSK and AstraZeneca. Her journey concluded with a visit to Samsung’s Pyeongtaek Campus, where she gained a firsthand look at the pioneering work the tech giant is conducting.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Professor Dame Angela McLean’s visit to Japan and Korea is a testament to the power of international collaboration and the strong foundation laid by the UK, Japan, and Korea’s extensive scientific partnerships since 2022. These endeavors are not only a testament to their dedication to scientific advancement but also to their commitment to addressing global challenges in a unified manner.
Sources: THX News & Government Office for Science.
