Okinawa, Japan, October 4, 2011 - On October 3, 2011, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and Shionogi & Co.Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement establishes a framework for the two organizations to conduct research on a cooperative basis. In particular, OIST and Shionogi will: share information on research projects, organize exchange of opinions between their researchers, and OIST will introduce to Shionogi researchers who are conducting research programs matching the interests of Shionogi.
“I am delighted by the establishment of collaboration with Shionogi,” said OIST President-elect Jonathan Dorfan. “Shionogi is an internationally renowned Japan-based pharmaceutical company engaged in the business, amongst other things, of developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products that address unmet medical needs. At OIST, we have highly imaginative academic minds and sophisticated research infrastructure that will generate scientific breakthroughs in diverse areas. Our collaboration with Shionogi will open the door to sharing mutual expertise.”
One of the key objectives in creating OIST is to contribute to the promotion and self-sustaining development of Okinawa. Outstanding intellectual capital alone cannot generate sustainable economic growth. The challenge is to identify the best methods to take the new developments out of the laboratories and into industry and commerce. The Memorandum of Understanding between OIST and Shionogi is a positive step forward in this process.
Both OIST and Shionogi will be present at the BioJapan 2011 congress held in Yokohama from 5-7 October, where there will be a meeting between Shionogi President Dr. Isao Teshirogi and Dr. Dorfan from OIST to discuss future collaboration.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is a new graduate university. The purpose of OIST is to conduct world-class research and education in science and technology in Okinawa, to contribute to the self-sustaining development of Okinawa and to the advancement of science and technology worldwide. It has launched a program of international courses and workshops that have already achieved worldwide recognition. Full accreditation as a new graduate university is expected in November 2011.
Press Release
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is a new graduate university.
The purpose of OIST is to conduct world-class research and education in science and technology in Okinawa and to contribute to the self-sustaining development of Okinawa and to the advancement of science and technology worldwide. OIST currently has 42 research units with more than 200 researchers - the majority of whom are non-Japanese - who are conducting multi-disciplinary research in neuroscience, molecular sciences, mathematical and computational biology, and environmental science. OIST has launched a program of international courses and workshops that have already achieved worldwide recognition. Full accreditation as a new graduate university is expected in November 2011.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Kaoru Natori
Communications and PR Section, General Affairs Group
Okinawa Institute of Science Technology Promotion Corporation (http://www.oist.jp)
TEL: +81-(0)-966-2389 FAX: +81-(0)-966-2887 E-mail: kaoru.natori@oist.jp
