State Secretary Martina Hirayama on scientific mission to Japan
Bern, 25.09.2025 — From 29 September to 5 October, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama will lead a scientific mission to Japan aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two nations. Her programme includes high-level meetings, visits to leading institutions and discussions with start-ups and cutting-edge companies.
Accompanied by a high-level Swiss scientific delegation, Ms Hirayama will seek to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation in education, research and innovation (ERI). The visit builds on already strong ties, particularly in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, medical research, energy transition and space research.
The delegation will tour research institutions, higher education establishments, research funding agencies and state-of-the-art laboratories, while meeting executives from Japanese high-tech firms and applied science companies. Officials from key Japanese ministries and ERI partners will also join discussions to explore new opportunities for collaboration. The visit will include a stop at the Osaka World Expo, where the Swiss Pavilion has served as a platform for advancing Switzerland’s interests in Japan.
Ms Hirayama will take part in the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum 2025 in Kyoto. This international forum provides a unique platform for dialogue with world leaders on ethical, social and environmental issues related to new technologies.
A key partner
Switzerland and Japan have steadily deepened their scientific ties since signing a science and technology cooperation agreement in 2007, collaborating through government programmes and direct partnerships between researchers, innovators and companies. Both countries face similar challenges, such as ageing populations, the energy transition and digitalisation. Japan has become Switzerland’s most important research partner in Asia through Swiss National Science Foundation programmes. Since 2020, nearly 350 projects have connected Swiss and Japanese researchers. Furthermore, the University of Zurich, as the Leading House for Switzerland’s scientific collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region, has several cooperation instruments to support Swiss researchers.