2nd Roundtable Discussion and Reception for Bay Area Principal Investigators
2026/2/12
Remarks from Consul General Otsuki
Presentation by Dr. Matsumoto
On Friday, February 6, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco hosted a second roundtable discussion at the Consul General’s residence for Bay Area PIs (principal investigators; research project leaders, typically based at universities). This event was held in cooperation with the JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) San Francisco Office.
The event began with opening remarks from Consul General Kotaro Otsuki, followed by a presentation by Dr. Yoichiro Matsumoto, Science and Technology Advisor to Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the status of the Ministry’s efforts to build a network of PIs around the world. Furthermore, Mr. Yuichi Inoue, Director-General of the Cabinet Office's Secretariat for Science, Technology, and Innovation, gave a presentation related to Japan’s efforts to attract and support international research exchanges. Representatives from Tohoku University and the Institute of Science Tokyo, both designated as Universities for International Research Excellence by the Japanese government, introduced their international collaboration initiatives at their respective universities.
Finally, the event transitioned into a roundtable discussion, where policy makers and university representatives from Japan and the US exchanged perspectives, shared the challenges they face, and brainstormed ways to deepen international research ties between both countries. The event ended with a networking reception.
The event began with opening remarks from Consul General Kotaro Otsuki, followed by a presentation by Dr. Yoichiro Matsumoto, Science and Technology Advisor to Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the status of the Ministry’s efforts to build a network of PIs around the world. Furthermore, Mr. Yuichi Inoue, Director-General of the Cabinet Office's Secretariat for Science, Technology, and Innovation, gave a presentation related to Japan’s efforts to attract and support international research exchanges. Representatives from Tohoku University and the Institute of Science Tokyo, both designated as Universities for International Research Excellence by the Japanese government, introduced their international collaboration initiatives at their respective universities.
Finally, the event transitioned into a roundtable discussion, where policy makers and university representatives from Japan and the US exchanged perspectives, shared the challenges they face, and brainstormed ways to deepen international research ties between both countries. The event ended with a networking reception.
Presentation by Director-General Inou
Presentation from Tohoku University
Presentation from Institute of Science Tokyo
Roundtable Discussion
Roundtable Discussion
Group photo
