During his first visit as the new HFSPO President, Yoshihiro Yoneda, stopped in Paris and Strasbourg on September 23 and 24. He attended meetings with key diplomatic and scientific institutions, reinforcing HFSP's mission and further supporting international collaborations and visited the HFSP Secretariat
On September 23, Yoneda, accompanied by HFSPO Secretary-General Pavel Kabat and Deputy Secretary-General Hirokazu Kumekawa, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Mr. Makita Shimokawa, the Ambassador of Japan to France. The French HFSPO Trustee Jacques Demotes-Mainard also joined the meeting. During this visit, Yoneda expressed his appreciation for the ongoing support from the Embassy of Japan, particularly during the recent Science Summit "Fundamental Life Sciences Meets Climate, Environment and Sustainability" in Paris in June 2023. Discussions centered on the positive developments at HFSP, the organization's growing relationship with Japan, and future opportunities for cooperation between Japan and
France. These included upcoming anniversary events celebrating 50 years of bilateral scientific cooperation between the two nations, the expansion of HFSP's member base, and plans for the Science Summit 2025 to be held in Japan.
On September 24, Yoneda visited the Japanese Consulate in Strasbourg, where he met with Consul General Mr. Hiroyuki Uchida. Secretary-General Kabat and Deputy Secretary-General Kumekawa again joined him. During the visit, Yoneda had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with the Director of the Strasbourg Office of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Toshiyuki Takagi. Conversations covered the historical connection between HFSPO and the Alsace region, ongoing scientific exchanges between France and Japan, and the potential for new collaborations with regional organizations, including the Council of Europe.
Yoneda also met with the staff at the HFSPO Secretariat in Strasbourg, engaging in extensive discussions to deepen his understanding of the organization's unique international role in promoting high-risk, high-reward frontier research. Yoneda expressed his satisfaction with the visit and his eagerness to continue building on the solid foundation of HFSP through active engagement.
This successful visit marks an important step in boosting HFSP's global partnerships and enhancing its presence in the international scientific community.