The 2nd South Africa-Japan University Vice-presidents' Forum was held in Capetown (the Republic of South Africa) from April 28-30. The 1st forum was held at Hiroshima University as a Prepatory Meeting, and the 2nd Forum mainly centered on joint research in science and technological fields.



With the presence of the South African Minister of Science Technology, Mr. Mangena, and the current Japanese Ambassador to South Africa, Mr. Akihiro Furuya, 42 institutions from South African and Japanese universities participated. Hiroshima University served as the coordinator for the Japan-side, and Executive and Vice President, Professor Akira Ninomiya, served as Chairman for the Japanese-side.



During each workshop presentations by specialists were made, focusing on topics such as environmental energy, infectious diseases, nano-technology, and math and science education. Opinions were also exchanged as to future joint and cooperative research.



In addition to the participation of Executive and Vice President Akira Ninomiya, Associate Professor Kazuhiro Yoshida of the Research Institute for Higher Education, Associate Professor Takeshi Naganuma of the Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Associate Professor Takayuki Ichikawa of the Institute for Advanced Materials Research, and Chief Megumi Sugahara of the International Planning and Cooperation Group also participated from HU.



* Participating South African Institutes (Total: 26)



Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Central Univ. of Technology, Mangosuthu Univ. of Technology, North-West University, Rhodes University, Tshwane Univ. of Technology, University of Cape Town, University of Fort Hare, University of Free State, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu Natal, University of Limpopo, University of Pretoria, University of South Africa, University of Stellenbosch, University of the Western Cape, University of Venda, University of the Witwatersrand, Vaal University of Technology, Walter Sisula University,

Department of Education Department Foreign Affairs, Department Science and Technology, Higher Education South Africa, National Research Foundation, the Japanese Embassy of the Republic of South Africa



* Participating Japanese Institutes (Total: 16)



Hokkaido University, Kyushu University, Keio University, Nagoya University, Naruto University of Education, Ritsumeikan University, Ryukoku University, Tohoku University, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Waseda University, International Christian University, Hiroshima University, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, the Japan Science and Technology Agency, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Japanese Embassy of the Republic of South Africa



The forum ended on a successful note with the decision by the South African Minister of Education, Mr. Pandor, to make budgetary provisions for future South Africa-Japan University Vice-presidents' Forums. The next forum is scheduled to be held in Japan.



For inquiries regarding this article, please contact the following:



Ms. Megumi Sugahara

The International Planning and Cooperation Bureau

Tel: 082-424-6045

E-mail: kokusai-group (at) office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp



Please change "at" to the appropriate mark.