Rowan University signs agreements in Japan with major research university and manufacturing company

In Tokyo today with Gov. Phil Murphy, Rowan University Provost Tony Lowman and Vice President for Research Mei Wei celebrated the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between Rowan, Shibaura Institute of Technology and global plastics manufacturer, Sekisui Chemical, during the Choose New Jersey governor-led economic mission. The partnerships will expand research and development capabilities for Rowan students in the manufacturing sector and commission new joint research projects in the technology sector.

“These agreements will expand opportunities for researchers at one of New Jersey’s world-renowned universities, Rowan University, to partner with some of Japan’s brightest minds in the private sector and academia,” said Gov. Murphy. “New Jersey is the gateway into the American marketplace and we are eager to welcome our friends from Japan to join us in building a better, greener future—and creating generations of good-paying jobs in the process.”

The first MOU was signed by Lowman and Katsunori Mukai, executive officer and director of the Corporate R&D Center at Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd., which has a presence in Secaucus. The institution and leading plastics manufacturer have worked together for 20 years. The MOU formalizes an existing agreement to collaborate on research and development projects, with Rowan University providing ongoing support for laboratory services.

Student and faculty exchange

The second MOU was signed by Lowman and Jun Yamada, president of Shibaura Institute of Technology. The MOU will establish a student and faculty exchange program, commission joint research projects and create pathways to share interdisciplinary research, innovation and technology in areas of mutual interest to both universities.

“As a result of our yearslong research collaboration on our campus, Rowan and Sekisui scientists developed an innovative method for converting a major greenhouse gas into useful materials. More importantly, this process is efficient, cost-effective and readily translatable into practice,” Lowman said. “We’re very pleased to continue our partnership with Sekisui, appropriately recognized as one of the world’s most sustainable corporations. We’re also excited to begin working with Shibaura Institute of Technology, which will no doubt benefit both our institutions. It’s this free exchange of ideas that energizes research and propels technology forward.”

Research universities

Additionally, the Choose New Jersey trip recognized the ongoing partnership between Princeton University and the University of Tokyo; and a new partnership between Kean University and Osaka University of Economics, establishing a student and faculty exchange program and facilitate collaboration in research projects, lectures and seminars and all academic endeavors mutually agreed upon by both universities.

“Research universities are an essential pillar of New Jersey’s economy,” said Wesley Mathews, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit economic development organization. “By fostering these partnerships, we ensure our talent pipeline remains unparalleled as we bring together some of the world’s most respected institutions.”