Holding of a Roundtable Discussion between the Foreign Minister’s Science and Technology Advisor, Mr. Matsumoto, and Japanese Researchers in the New England Region (February 9, 2026)
February 13, 2026
On February 9, 2026, Consul General Takahashi hosted a roundtable discussion between Prof. Yoichiro Matsumoto, the Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who was visiting Boston, and Japanese researchers serving as Principal Investigators (PIs) in the New England region. In addition to ten PIs, a total of 31 participants attended the meeting, including representatives from Japanese government‑related organizations: the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
The New England region—centered around Boston—has in recent years further advanced its position as one of the world’s leading hubs for science and technology, spanning fundamental and applied research, deep tech, and a vibrant university‑driven startup ecosystem. Japanese companies in the area have also been expanding rapidly, particularly in the life sciences and biotech sectors. Against this backdrop, the Consulate‑General of Japan in Boston aims to build a systematic network of Japanese PIs in the region as part of broader efforts to strengthen and internationalize Japan’s scientific and technological foundation, and ultimately to deepen Japan–U.S. relations. One such initiative is the development of a roster of Japanese PIs active in New England, which serves as a basis for enhancing dialogue and information sharing on promoting medium‑ to long‑term international brain circulation and fostering collaborative research.
During the discussion, Prof. Matsumoto emphasized the importance of strengthening Japan’s scientific and technological capabilities, promoting international brain circulation through the utilization of the PI roster in the New England region, and advancing international collaboration among industry, academia, and government. The meeting featured active exchanges of views between Dr. Matsumoto, the PIs, and representatives of the Japanese government‑related organizations.
The New England region—centered around Boston—has in recent years further advanced its position as one of the world’s leading hubs for science and technology, spanning fundamental and applied research, deep tech, and a vibrant university‑driven startup ecosystem. Japanese companies in the area have also been expanding rapidly, particularly in the life sciences and biotech sectors. Against this backdrop, the Consulate‑General of Japan in Boston aims to build a systematic network of Japanese PIs in the region as part of broader efforts to strengthen and internationalize Japan’s scientific and technological foundation, and ultimately to deepen Japan–U.S. relations. One such initiative is the development of a roster of Japanese PIs active in New England, which serves as a basis for enhancing dialogue and information sharing on promoting medium‑ to long‑term international brain circulation and fostering collaborative research.
During the discussion, Prof. Matsumoto emphasized the importance of strengthening Japan’s scientific and technological capabilities, promoting international brain circulation through the utilization of the PI roster in the New England region, and advancing international collaboration among industry, academia, and government. The meeting featured active exchanges of views between Dr. Matsumoto, the PIs, and representatives of the Japanese government‑related organizations.
