Marine biotechnology research between Australia, New Zealand and Japan is being boosted by a Memorandum of Understanding between the Australia New Zealand Marine Biotechnology Society – which is hosted by Flinders’ Centre of Marine Bioproducts Development – and the Japanese Marine Biotechnology Society.

Professor Wei Zhang from the Centre of Marine Bioproducts Development signed the agreement in Japan in May 2018 as President of the Australia New Zealand Marine Biotechnology Society (ANZMBS), along with the President of the Japanese Marine Biotechnology Society, Professor Haruko Takeyama from Waseda University, Tokyo.

A relatively new society, the ANZMBS was formed in 2014 and has reached out to other marine biotechnology groups in its goal to further marine biotechnology research and industry in Australia and New Zealand. The group operates on a five-year strategic plan, with engagement and collaboration central to its work.

The Japanese Society for Marine Biotechnology is one of the oldest marine biotechnology associations and was established almost 30 years ago, in 1989. It has strong industry support and publishes the scientific journal Marine Biotechnology. The MOU was signed at their 20th Conference, which was held at Miyazaki, Japan.

“Flinders University already has strong ties with marine biotechnologists at Tokyo University, including an exchange program for researchers and students – this new MoU will broaden our engagement” said Professor Zhang.

He said the agreement will continue for five years initially, with activities to include joint conference sessions that will enable ideas exchange and further collaborations in marine biotechnology research.