Tsukuba City, 13 December 2024: The ERIA School of Government, accompanied by Indonesian researchers and government officials, visited Tsukuba City for meetings and a facility tour with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and the Tsukuba Digital Bio International Center. This visit was part of the activities under the ERIA–APRC Research Exchange and Innovation Workshop on biomanufacturing.

The visit commenced with a tour of the Geological Museum located on the AIST premises. Delegates explored Japan’s geological history through an extensive collection of specimens, including fossils, volcanic data, and mineral resources.

The delegation proceeded to meet with the AIST team, beginning with opening remarks from Dr Tamura, Director General of AIST. Dr Uehara Natsuko, Executive Officer for International Cooperation, provided an overview of AIST’s initiatives. Dr Aburatani Sachiyo, Director of the Bioproduction Research Institute, delivered a presentation on bioproduction research and smart cell technologies. Following the presentations, Dr Aburatani led a tour of research facilities, showcasing advancements in microbial and genetic resource research. The delegation also toured additional facilities under the guidance of Dr Sakagawa, Principal Research Manager, who highlighted efforts in microbial resource exploration and biomanufacturing.

The visit continued at the Tsukuba Digital Bio International Center, situated within the Institute of Medicine at Tsukuba University. The delegation was welcomed by Professor Hiroyuki Nishiyama, Chairman of the Institute of Medicine, who presented an overview of the cutting-edge research conducted at the Digital Bio International Center. A guided tour of the laboratory facilities concluded the visit.

This engagement reinforced ASEAN–Japan collaboration in biomanufacturing and paved the way for future joint research and innovation in science and technology.

The ERIA School of Government remains committed to fostering international partnerships and advancing knowledge exchange in science, technology, and sustainable development. Initiatives such as the ERIA–APRC workshop and collaborative visits like this one underscore ERIA’s dedication to promoting research and innovation for the mutual benefit of ASEAN and Japan.