News

Toru Kumagai’s report on R&D trends in Germany

Why did the German government create an agency for disruptive innovations?

May 25, 2021 [by Toru Kumagai] The German government is actively working to encourage innovation by providing significant financial support for individual and corporate research and development projects based on landmark ideas that would overturn conventional wisdom. Here, we will introduce you to SPRIN-D, the agency that the government has created to achieve this goal.

Overview: German Embassy Tokyo

Hydrogen research and technology in Japan

The German Embassy Tokyo has compiled information on hydrogen research and technology in Japan. The overview summarizes the current situation and the goals of the Japanese government as follows:

News: DAAD

New DAAD Secretary General takes up his office: Dr. Kai Sicks

Dr. Kai Sicks officially takes up his office as new DAAD Secretary General on Thursday morning (1 April 2021). He succeeds Dr. Dorothea Rüland, whose time in office at the world’s largest organisation for academic exchange came to an end in January.

Toru Kumagai’s report on R&D trends in Germany

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development and Ethics: Seeking Human-Centric AI at a French-German-Japanese Symposium

March 19, 2021 [by Toru Kumagai] Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most keenly watched areas of cutting-edge technology in academia, industry, and government worldwide. Basic forms of AI have already been applied in many different fields—from the financial sector to social media and even online stores. AI is predicted to see further developments in the future, bringing significant benefits to humanity in a wide range of areas including manufacturing and medicine. However, there is a danger that if AI became autonomous to an excessive degree, the pursuit of economic benefits and efficiency might neglect ethics and human rights. In other words, humans need to constantly keep a firm rein on machines.

Science and innovation in Germany

Toru Kumagai’s reports on R&D trends in Germany

March 15, 2021 In collaboration with Mr. Toru Kumagai, a Japanese journalist living in Germany, we bring you the latest news on science and innovation in Germany. The previous articles are available below:

News

EFI Commission presents Annual Report on German Research and Innovation

March 12, 2021 The Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI), which advises the German Federal Government on Research and Innovation Policy, has presented the 2021 Annual Report.

Toru Kumagai’s report on R&D trends in Germany

Strengthening Post-Corona Resilience — Germany and Japan’s Efforts to Prepare for a New Global Crisis

March 2, 2021 [by Toru Kumagai] The new coronavirus (COVID-19) surge shows no sign of abating. On January 7, 2021, when this article was written, the number of new infections had skyrocketed in both Germany and Japan. Germany sees at least 10,000 newly infected people each day, sometimes surpassing 20,000 cases. On November 3, the government prohibited all restaurants and food services from operating, followed by tighter lockdown measures including closures of schools and most shops from December 16 until the end of January 2021. Meanwhile in Japan, Tokyo and three surrounding prefectures have declared a state of emergency with a month-long voluntary ban starting January 7.