The University of Melbourne and Osaka University become ‘Global Knowledge Partners’

The University of Melbourne is continuing to build its research relationship with Japan, with an academic delegation led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor James McCluskey visiting Osaka University to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and launch a joint research initiative.

Osaka is one of several stops on the delegation, the first visit to Japan by an Australian university since the pandemic. Osaka and Melbourne have been sister cities since 1978, the first and now oldest sister city partnership for the City of Melbourne.

The MOU sees the University of Melbourne become a Global Knowledge Partner of Osaka University. This strategic partnership is based on a common objective to better address important societal issues in both Australia and Japan.

Under the agreement, both institutions will explore opportunities to enhance student exchanges, develop research links and initiate joint research projects and training activities.

The first initiative under the MOU is the establishment of an Osaka – Melbourne Joint Research Workshops Fund to support the development of new research collaborations. This fund will support up to two joint workshops,
one held at Melbourne and one held at Osaka, between August 2022 and March 2023.

Osaka University is the second Japanese institution to establish a Joint Research Workshop Fund with the University of Melbourne, following the University of Hokkaido in early 2022.

Professor James McCluskey noted the success of the visit and the many ongoing potential opportunities between the universities.

“This MOU and Joint Research Workshops Fund are the natural next steps in our relationship with Osaka University, which is built on our shared commitment to tackling big issues,” Professor McCluskey said.

“I look forward to seeing new and exciting research outcomes driven by this relationship.”

Professor Genta Kawahara, Executive Vice President of Global Engagement at Osaka University, shared these sentiments.

“The signing of this MOU clearly demonstrates the joint commitment of our universities to tackle societal issues through collaborative academic activities. We are very excited about the possibilities that this MOU brings and look forward to deepening and expanding the friendship between the University
of Melbourne and Osaka University,” Professor Kawahara said.