Jamia Millia Islamia hosts Japanese delegation

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) hosted a high-level delegation from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) to discuss opportunities for academic and research collaboration between Japanese institutions and the university.

The JST delegation included Takashi Konishi, Director and Programme Officer and Yuji Nishikawa, Advisor to the Sakura Science Programme. The visit focused on strengthening Indo-Japanese cooperation in emerging scientific and technological fields.

Introducing JST’s initiatives, Konishi said, “We promote academic and research exchanges between India and Japan through various programmes. Our recently launched LOTUS Programme aims to bring 300 young Indian researchers to Japan annually to work on cutting-edge research in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Energy, Materials Science, Quantum Technologies, Semiconductors and Telecommunications.”

He said JST functions similarly to India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and offers full support for research stays and internships, including placements within Japanese private sector firms. “Students or faculty from Jamia may directly approach Japanese host institutions and researchers, who will initiate the application process,” Konishi added.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured JMI’s Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, guided by Prof Mohammad Zulfequar and Prof Ushvinder Kaur Popli. The Japanese officials commended the university’s advanced research infrastructure and scientific capabilities.

The visit marked a significant step towards deeper academic cooperation between India and Japan, with both sides expressing strong interest in collaborative research, student mobility and innovation-driven exchanges.