Our long-standing relationship with Japan has been furthered, with a recent diplomatic visit focusing on research collaborations, language and cultural activities, and the local community.
The Japanese Acting Consul General in Edinburgh, Ms Minori Ishii, visited Durham recently. We have a long-standing history of friendship and cooperation with the people of Japan, building through many decades of teaching Japanese Studies. Japanese students have studied at the University since the 19th century.
Today we're proud to host a vibrant Anglo-Japanese student society, over 20 fellows of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), over 50 current Japanese students and 600 plus Japanese alumni.
During her visit, Ms Ishii heard how Durham-Japan research collaborations are having a global impact. Professor Chris Done from our Department of Physics, is one of the scientists working on the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM). This is a collaboration between the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NASA, with significant participation of the European Space Agency.
Our Institute of Hazard Risk and Resilience is working with Japanese counterparts on disaster risk and management. Our Physics colleagues are also developing green semi-conductors with Japan, which will have a transformative impact on global industry.
Ms. Ishii also learnt about our plans to host the UK-Japan RENKEI Just Transitions to a Net Zero World workshop from Wednesday 7 - Friday 9 May. This workship will bring together researchers from 11 UK and Japanese universities.
And as a testimony of our long history of cultural cooperation with Japan, Ms Ishii also visited our Oriental Museum and learnt about our exciting partnership with the National Museum of Japanese History.
We're proud to offer a wide range of extra-curricular Japanese language and cultural activities to our students, staff and the local community. Ms. Ishii's visit took place ahead of 'Welcome to Japan' Day on Friday 28 March - a collaboration between Durham University, the Oriental Museum and Teikyo University of Japan in Durham, which will bring over one hundred local primary and secondary school students to experience Japan through interactive activities.
Ms Minori Ishii (third from left) met with staff from our Oriental Museum and Teikyo University of Japan in Durham during her visit.
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