Professor Sir Mark Walport, UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Pays Courtesy Visit

November 5, 2014

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Discussion and Information Exchange between
Professor Walport and Minister Yamaguchi

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Commemorative Photo


Minister Shunichi Yamaguchi, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, welcomed Professor Sir Mark Walport, UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser, for a visit on November 5. Professor Walport was in Japan to serve as co-chair at a meeting of the UK-Japan Joint Committee on Co-Operation in Science and Technology.

During the visit, Minister Yamaguchi conveyed the Japanese government’s desire to promote science, technology, and innovation policy to deal with the country’s issues related to economic recovery, regional development, and creating a society in which women are welcome to develop and contribute their talents. In response, Professor Walport explained that the meeting of the UK-Japan Joint Committee on Co-Operation in Science and Technology, held the day before, included a meaningful exchange about these very issues.

Minister Yamaguchi also shared Japan’s plans to accelerate the pace and promotion of science, technology, and innovation in advance of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. The Minister told Professor Walport that Japan could learn from the experiences of the UK government with the London Olympics. In answer, Professor Walport detailed some of the UK government’s cyber security and other security measures implemented for the London Olympic Games.

In reply to Minister Yamaguchi’s inquiry about the general aspects of the UK science advisor system, Professor Walport discussed his current duties, particularly during times of emergency. Professor Walport also indicated his interest in maintaining ongoing contact with the Minister to share information and opinions.