Delivered by Mr Luke Sheehy, Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer

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I’m the CEO of Universities Australia and it’s my pleasure to welcome you all here today. 

First, let me begin by acknowledging that we’re on the lands of the Ngunnawal people.  

I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. 

It’s been five years since we last met face-to-face, back in 2019 at Osaka University.  

A lot has changed since then, but the importance of collaboration hasn’t. In fact, it’s only grown stronger. 

Today, we bring together senior leaders from 16 Australian and eight Japanese universities – proof that this partnership is thriving.  

Australia and Japan’s partnership has a rich history. In fact, one of the earliest examples is right here in Canberra. Questacon, our National Science and Technology Centre, was built in 1988 as a bicentennial gift from Japan – funded in part by the Japanese government and business community. It’s a standing reminder of what we can achieve together. 

More than 650 partnerships exist between Australian universities and Japanese institutions. These partnerships enable the exchange of thousands of students, staff and researchers, advancing work on issues of shared national interest. 

This collaboration brings together diverse expertise, allowing us to tackle complex problems, drive innovation, and expand knowledge.  

Whether it’s safeguarding coral reefs, exploring space, or advancing medicine, our partnership delivers real-world impact. 

But this isn’t just about research. It’s about the broader relationship between our two nations.  

Japan is Australia’s second largest trading partner, our second-largest export market and our third largest source of imports.  

This strong economic relationship is matched by our collaboration in education and research.  

Australia is Japan’s 7th largest partner in scientific co-publications, and we’re working together to address challenges like research security, clean energy and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. 

One of the most pressing challenges we face is the transition to a net zero future. 

Australia and Japan are leading the way through the Japan-Australia Partnership on Decarbonisation through Technology, advancing clean hydrogen, ammonia, and low-emissions steel and iron ore. 

Many of our universities are at the forefront of renewable energy research, driving innovation that will power the future.  

These efforts aren’t just about meeting environmental goals—they’re about creating economic opportunities and ensuring the long-term prosperity of both nations. 

Research partnerships bring together diverse expertise from different fields or institutions, allowing for a broader and more comprehensive approach to solving complex problems, advancing knowledge and driving innovation. 

Between 2017 and 2022 Australia and Japan had more than 21,000 joint research outputs, advancing research on issues of shared national interest. 

Today’s discussions will build on this strong foundation, unlocking new opportunities for Japanese and Australian universities to collaborate and make discoveries that benefit both nations – and the world. 

This work doesn’t stop here. I would like to propose now that Universities Australia and the Japan Association of National Universities (JANU) continue to work together to plan for a reciprocal visit to Japan, coinciding with the World Expo in Osaka – a fitting opportunity to celebrate our achievements and chart the course for the future.  

I look forward to meeting many of you at tonight’s networking reception, co-hosted with the Embassy of Japan at the National Museum of Australia.  

Now, it is my privilege to introduce Professor USHIKI [oo-shi-ki] Tatsuo [ta-su-o], Vice Chairperson of the International Exchange Committee with the Japan Association of National Universities and President of Niigata University.  

Professor, over to you.