Dr Mircea Modreanu, pictured below, a senior researcher at Tyndall National Institute, has been awarded the prestigious Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Bridge Fellowship. 

This opportunity will lead to new collaborations with Japanese universities and research institutes, fostering international research partnerships and expanding global academic networks.

As part of this fellowship, Dr Modreanu has also been awarded a visiting professor fellowship by Okayama University. During his tenure, he will deliver invited lectures and conduct seminars to engage with emerging researchers at leading Japanese institutions, including Okayama University, Hiroshima University, Tokyo Tech, Tohoku University and RIKEN (National Research Centres).

He organised the Opto X NANO 2024 conference in Okayama alongside his JSPS host, Professor Toshihiko Kiwa. The international conference focuses on addressing scientific and technological challenges in fields such as advanced materials and devices, metrology, health diagnostics, and sustainable energy solutions.

Dr Modreanu also recently met with Ambassador Damien Cole and Rory Conaty, economic counsellor at the Irish embassy in Tokyo to discuss his ongoing collaboration with Japanese academic institutions and the objectives of the JSPS Bridge Fellowship. 

Dr Modreanu said: “The meeting with Ambassador Cole was an excellent opportunity to gain insights into Irish strategy for Japan and to discuss the mutual benefits of enhancing academic and technological collaboration between our countries.”

Ambassador Damien Cole invited Dr Modreanu to participate to the seminar introducing Ireland’s semiconductor industry an event that will be held at Ambassador’s official residence in Tokyo.

Dr Modreanu’s visit highlights Tyndall’s commitment to advancing international research collaboration and fostering knowledge exchange in cutting-edge science and technology.