Prior to the forum, Minister Papich had a dinner with Ms Jelisava Sesna Dobovšek, a professor at a university in Tokyo and chairman of the Slovenia-Japan Friendship Group.

Minister Papich visited the University of Tsukuba and met with Vice-Chancellor Ms. Caroline Benton. Dr. Marco Brachko, a Slovenian scientist at the University of Maribor, who is cooperating with the project, guided us to the KEK Institute to see Super KEK2/Belle 2, a research project to detect the disappearance of antimatter from the universe. Slovenian scientists are important collaborators in the project.

At the EU-Japan 2022 Science Forum held in Kyoto the day before the STS Forum, Minister Papich emphasized the importance of international cooperation, announcing a NEDO project on smart energy grids in Slovenia, and promoting cooperation between universities and new technologies in the future. The importance of incorporating technology into the project framework. In this context, he emphasized the importance of Japan’s Society 5.0 initiative to bring people to the development of a smart future and put people at the forefront. The Minister welcomed the excellent cooperation with Japanese institutions in various fields and projects, including university level and research institutes.

At the STS Forum Ministerial Roundtable, Minister Papič mentioned the importance of a balance between basic and applied science.

Between the forums, Minister Papich met with STS Forum Chair Hiroshi Komiyama, European Commission Mariya Gabriel, Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Mariya Gabriel and European Research Council President Keiko Nagaoka Did. , Ms. Maria Leptin, and Mr. Hiroaki Ishizuka, Chairman of NEDO.

In a meeting with European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, Minister Papich welcomed the steps taken to strengthen and consolidate the innovation ecosystem. He stressed that the new EU Innovation Agenda does not fully exploit the potential of universities and research institutions to be involved in technology transfer. Both interlocutors therefore discussed the possibility of a full partnership.

In their meeting with Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Keiko Nagaoka, the two ministers focused on continuing joint cooperation between the two countries in the fields of nanotechnology and robotics. Minister Nagaoka also welcomed Minister Papich’s proposal on the possibility of preparing an agreement between research institutes of the two countries to strengthen cooperation in these areas. The Ministers confirmed the organization of the 3rd Joint Science and Technology Consultation to be held in Slovenia.

Minister Papich concluded his working visit to Japan with a meeting with NEDO Chairman Hiroaki Ishizuka. The NEDO President pledged to come to Ljubljana for the final event this fall, praising the NEDO joint project to build a smart grid in Slovenia.