New Jersey Research Universities and Japan’s Top Universities, Major Manufacturing Company Sign MoU to Advance R&D Collaborations

Rowan, Princeton, and Kean Universities create and reaffirm partnerships with Japan’s Sekisui Chemical, Shibaura Institute of Technology, University of Tokyo, and the Osaka University of Economics

TOKYO, JAPAN — Governor Murphy today celebrated the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between New Jersey and Japan’s top research universities and a prominent manufacturing company. During the governor-led economic mission, MOUs were signed between Rowan University, Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), and global plastics manufacturer, Sekisui Chemical and between Kean University and the Osaka University of Economics. An MOU between Princeton University and the University of Tokyo was also reaffirmed.

“These agreements will expand opportunities for researchers at one of New Jersey’s world-renowned universities, Rowan University, to partner with some of Japan’s brightest minds in the private sector and academia,” said Governor Murphy. “New Jersey is the gateway into the American marketplace, and we are eager to welcome our friends from Japan to join us in building a better, greener future — and creating generations of good-paying jobs in the process.”

The first MOU was signed by Anthony Lowman, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rowan University, and Katsunori Mukai, Executive Officer, Director, Corporate R&D Center, Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd., which has a presence in Secaucus. The institution and leading plastics manufacturer have worked together for 20 years. The MOU formalizes an existing agreement to collaborate on research and development projects, with Rowan University providing ongoing support for laboratory services.

The second MOU was signed by Anthony Lowman, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rowan University, and Jun Yamada, Ph.D., President, Shibaura Institute of Technology. The MOU will establish a student and faculty exchange program, commission joint research projects, and create pathways to share interdisciplinary research, innovation, and technology in areas of mutual interest to both universities.

“As a result of our yearslong research collaboration on our campus, Rowan and Sekisui scientists developed an innovative method for converting a major greenhouse gas into useful materials. More importantly, this process is efficient, cost-effective, and readily translatable into practice,” said Rowan University Provost Anthony Lowman. “We’re very pleased to continue our partnership with Sekisui, appropriately recognized as one of the world’s most sustainable corporations. We’re also excited to begin working with Shibaura Institute of Technology, which will no doubt benefit both our institutions. It’s this free exchange of ideas that energizes research and propels technology forward.”

The ongoing partnership between Princeton University and the University of Tokyo was also recognized. Through an MOU signing in January, the academic institutions committed to a five-year renewal of an ongoing student exchange program and longstanding collaborations led by faculty in astrophysical sciences, East Asian studies, and the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.

Craig Arnold, Vice Dean for Innovation at Princeton University, applauded the recommitment and its transformative impact on both universities.

“This mission is an excellent opportunity for the state of New Jersey and its terrific innovation network to extend our reach and influence,” said Craig Arnold, Vice Dean for Innovation at Princeton University. “Today, in corporate and university laboratories throughout the state, we are developing ways to solve critical problems and to improve the lives of people in New Jersey and around the world. This outreach to Asia led by Gov. Murphy will build bridges by strengthening collaborations and creating new partnerships for the mutual benefit of all.”

The MOU signed by Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., President, Kean University, Felice Vazquez, Senior Vice President & Special Counsel, Kean University, Dr. Yamamoto Shunichiro, President, Osaka University of Economics, and  Dr. Mori Utae, Vice President, Osaka University of Economics, will establish a student and faculty exchange program and facilitate collaboration in research projects, lectures and seminars and all academic endeavors mutually agreed upon by both universities.

“Our new partnership with Osaka University of Economics will strengthen Kean University’s role as New Jersey’s urban research university and will provide opportunities to spur innovation in New Jersey and throughout the world,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “Kean already has seen the benefits of international, cross-cultural collaboration for our students and faculty in the region. Working with our counterparts at Osaka University of Economics, we expect to further expand both research and cultural understanding. I congratulate Governor Murphy for his leadership on this initiative.”

“Research universities are an essential pillar of New Jersey’s economy,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “By fostering these partnerships, we ensure our talent pipeline remains unparalleled as we bring together some of the world’s most respected institutions.”

Reporters interested in more information on the New Jersey East Asia economic mission may contact Mahen Gunaratna (mahen.gunaratna@nj.gov) and Ingrid Austin (iaustin@choosenj.com) or visit choosenj.com/EastAsiaMission for additional details.

About Choose New Jersey, Inc.
Choose New Jersey is New Jersey’s leading nonprofit economic development organization. We stimulate job creation and attract capital investment to grow New Jersey’s economy. We market New Jersey globally as the best state in the United States to live, work, and play, and we guide businesses in establishing or expanding operations here. Our staff, supported by a network of state agencies and private partners, provide free, confidential assistance to guide companies in establishing operations in New Jersey. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.

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To read this press release in Japanese, click here.

To read the press release from the Governor’s office, click here.