On 8 December, Kobe University Brussels European Centre (KUBEC) held a hybrid meeting at the Estonian Permanent Representation in Brussels with the Estonian delegation led by Eve Päärendson (Entrepreneurship and Innovation Liaison Officer of Enterprise Estonia), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the RIKEN Europe Office. The delegation consisted of representatives of Estonian universities, including Tallinn University, University of Tartu and Tallinn University of Technology, as well as business representatives. From Kobe University, Executive Director of the Centre for EU Academic Collaboration Ken-ichi Yoshida, Research and Development Manager Eri Anno and Advisor to KUBEC Patrick Vittet-Philippe took part in the meeting. It was also attended by VUB Vice-Rector Prof. Hugo Thienpont (in charge of Innovation and Industry Relations) and Dr. Toshiyasu Ichioka, Director of the RIKEN Europe office.

Moderated by Patrick Vittet-Philippe, Prof. Ken-ichi Yoshida introduced Kobe University with particular focus on its international strategy, KUBEC’s activities and the close relationship between Kobe University and its start-ups. Afterwards, Kobe University’s 7 flagship research projects were introduced by Eri Anno. On behalf of VUB, Prof. Hugo Thienpont gave a presentation on its strategy for cooperation with the private sector and shared the challenges, solutions and best practices for bringing innovation to industry. Dr. Toshiyasu Ichioka’s presentation gave an overview of the RIKEN European Office and its collaborations with European institutions. Each presentation was followed by a lively question and answer session in which the participants exchanged useful information that may lead to future collaboration between the parties.

Kobe University will continue to promote further cooperation with Estonia in education and research.

(International Affairs Planning Division)