Japan-Norway Research Alliance Seminar

The seminar was part of a collaboration between Japanese research institutions, the Embassy of Japan, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), and the Hylleraas Centre. The seminar was a one-day hybrid event, organized with support from the Hylleraas Centre and the Department of Chemistry. Norway and Japan have maintained diplomatic relations since 1905, and are now celebrating 120 years of friendship.

The photo is showing tThe Deputy Head of Mission at Embassy of Japan (Hajime Matsumura) with the event organizers (Michhiko Atsumi and Erik Tellgren) and former director of Hylleraas Centre (Trygve Helgaker). From left: Michiko Atsumi (Hylleraas), Hajime Matsumura (Ambassady of Japan), Erik Tellgren (Hylleraas), and Trygve Helgaker (Hylleraas).

The Deputy Head of Mission at Embassy of Japan (Hajime Matsumura) with the event organizers (Michiko Atsumi and Erik Tellgren) and former director of Hylleraas Centre (Trygve Helgaker). From left: Michiko Atsumi (Hylleraas), Hajime Matsumura (Ambassady of Japan), Erik Tellgren (Hylleraas), and Trygve Helgaker (Hylleraas). Photo_CathrineStrom, UiO.

By Erik Tellgren

Published Oct. 27, 2025

Seminar at the Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Sciences in Oslo, Norway, on 27 October 2025: Seminar serie: Japan-Norway Research Alliance

The meeting was opened by pro-rector Bjørn Jamtveit. Then the Embassy of Japan, JSPS Stockholm Office, and Team Norway - Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway Tokyo, and Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo provided information about their different funding schemes and existing collaborations between Norway and Japan.

Bjørn Jamtveit (Pro-Rector at University of Oslo) with opening remarks. Photo: Cathrine Strøm, UiO.

The Deputy Head of Mission at Embassy of Japan (Hajime Matsumura) is holding a short speech in a white seminar room. — The Deputy Head of Mission at Embassy of Japan (Hajime Matsumura) . Photo: Cathrine Strøm, UiO.

In the following sessions, the scientists from several universities in Norway talked about their research as well as their Japanese partner universities and their connections with Japan. Board members of JSPS Norway Japan Academic Network were represented among these speakers.

Scientist Petra Agota Szilagyi presented her research at the seminar. — Professor Petra Agota Szilagyi presented her work on metal-organic framwork. Photo: Marco Bortoli, UiO.

Young woman from Japan is having av short speech in front of a slide with the writing "JSPS". — Ms. Mana Oshima from JSPS Stockholm Office. Photo: Marco Bortoli, UiO.

The lectures were aimed at a general scientific audience and topics covered a wide range of topics, from agricultural science to chemistry to statistics. They also provided examples of academic collaboration, practical aspects of educational and research exchange, and experiences during stays in Japan.

Over sixty people attended the seminar.

In the evening, people from JSPS NJAN and the Department of Chemistry met again for dinner at the Japanese Ambassador´s residence.