S&T cooperation between Hungary and Japan started in 1975 by signing the agreement on cultural and scientific exchange between the two governments. A few years later, on May 15, 1979, the two partners added 5 new areas of cooperation to the list.

Based on the extended S&T agreement, the ties with Japan have been multiplied continuously. Since 1993, intergovernmental consultations have been held regularly with the purpose of reviewing the joint research projects. Hungary’s accession to the European Union has increased the importance of S&T cooperation and somewhat modified its priorities. In addition to the traditional fields of partnership, both countries are increasingly interested in S&T related foreign direct investments.

In parallel with strengthening relations on government level, local self-governments are also seeking partners. The very first initiative was made by Akita prefecture in 1999 by sending and receiving high level delegations to and from Hungary. A year later, in April of 2000, „Hungarian Science Days” were hosted by Akita prefecture. Also in the same year, on the 24th of October, the Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting Collaboration in Research and Development between Hungary and Akita Prefecture was signed for 5 years, and then, in 2005, the cooperation was extended for another 5 years.

The current status of science and technology cooperation was reviewed and evaluated in May 2004, during the 8th intergovernmental consultation with the Japanese counterparts. The cooperation is getting even more intensive not only between the governmental bodies, but also between independent institutions. The leading Hungarian partners are the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and the research institutions of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and the most active Japanese partner is the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). The number of ongoing Hungarian – Japanese science and technology projects is 82.

S&T attaché
Dr. Miklós Győr (as of November 1, 2004)