The collaboration project MIRAI is now entering a third phase for continued joint development in education, research and innovation. Focus is on global challenges such as health and an ageing population, climate change, sustainable communities and renewable energy.
– Through our collaboration within MIRAI 3.0, we have the opportunity to enhance the internationalisation of education and advance research in key areas, says Jorge Solis, Docent in Electrical Engineering and project leader of MIRAI at Karlstad University. The project is now entering a new phase and we are focusing on creating the best possible conditions for long-term and fruitful research collaboration to contribute to the global challenges defined within MIRAI 3.0.
Challenge 1: Health and an ageing population
Challenge 2: Climate adaption, disaster and risk management and prevention
Challenge 3: Resilient cities and communities – policies, strategies, local government and urban planning
Challenge 4: Materials for energy conversion and storage: renewable energy, solar energy conversion, electrification, sustainable processes and use of resources
MIRAI means future in Japanese
The first two phases took place between 2017 and 2023 and resulted in several joint research applications and successful collaborations. When the project ended last year, the participating universities decided to continue the collaboration under the name MIRAI 3.0.
The consortium “MIRAI – Connecting Swedish and Japanese universities through research, education and innovation” aims to stimulate academic collaboration between Sweden and Japan. The project is now entering a third phase, focusing on increased collaboration across disciplines and sectors to meet societal challenges such as climate crises, sustainable energy, pandemics and an ageing population.
– Sweden and Japan have enjoyed good relations for a long time. With the new agreement in place, Karlstad University will be able to contribute to further deepening the relationship in terms of research and education, says Pro-Vice-Chancellor Margareta Friman.
– We will now continue to develop our collaboration across disciplines and we’re hoping that more people at Karlstad University wants to join, says Jorge Solis.
Umeå University acts as the Swedish coordinating university for MIRAI3.0, which runs until 2026. Each country has its own budget to finance joint activities within the project. The budget is based on co-financing from the participating universities for joint project coordination.
