The University of Queensland (UQ) has strengthened its ties with an international organisation that is at the forefront of energy related research with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The MOU has been facilitated by Associate Professor Kazuhiro Nogita, from UQ's School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering and Wakasa Wan Energy Research Centre's Professor Kojiro Kobayashi.
Dr Nogita said the signing of the MOU would provide opportunities for collaborative research between the two organisations.
"This MOU acknowledges the importance of international research collaboration and will allow mutually beneficial research to be conducted between both countries and organisations," Dr Nogita said.
Wakasa Wan Energy Research Centre has several key facilities including the biggest lens to collect sun light in the world, a small synchrotron facility and several cutting-edge electron microscopes – all of which will aid UQ in furthering research towards sustainable energy.
The devastating earthquakes in Japan earlier this year highlighted the need for new and safe sources of sustainable energy – something which this MOU aims to address.
Furthering UQ's dedication to uncovering the sustainable energy sources of the future, Dr Nogita represented the University at the Global Challenges Leadership series in Japan.
As part of this series, Dr Nogita's presentation explored materials needed for sustainable energy solutions.
He also raised the importance of collaborations between industry and research centres in Australia and Japan in relation to the development of new materials.
"The development of sustainable materials which can help solve global problems, benefits greatly from a multi-disciplinary approach involving international research and industry collaboration," he said.
Media: Associate Professor Kazuhiro Nogita (k.nogita@uq.edu.au or 3365 3919) or Madelene Flanagan (m.flanagan@uq.edu.au or 3365 8525.
