Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo Signs MoU with RIKEN and Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
On July 1, 2025, Center for Global Commons (CGC) / Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), The University of Tokyo, RIKEN, and Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) concluded a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The signing ceremony was held online, attended by RIKEN President Makoto Gonokami, IFI Director Kenji Fukushi, CGC Director Naoko Ishii, PIK Directors Johan Rockström and Ottmar Edenhofer.
This MoU aims to create scientific knowledge that contributes to safeguarding the Global Commons by promoting the following activities, within the framework of the laws, regulations, and guidelines applicable to each institution, and subject to the availability of resources:
However, previous research has primarily focused on economic, environmental, and policy perspectives, and has not fully addressed fundamental scientific approaches. Considering this background, RIKEN has joined as a new partner starting in fiscal year 2024. With the participation of RIKEN, which has a world-class research foundation in fields such as plant science, materials science and information science, joint research among RIKEN, PIK and CGC commenced.
In October 2024, RIKEN and CGC jointly hosted the 'Global Commons Forum'. Together with internationally influential leaders from academia, industry, and NGOs, active discussions were held on strategies for safeguarding the Global Commons and transitioning to a new economic system.
The conclusion of this MoU aims to further deepen academic collaboration among RIKEN, PIK, and CGC.
CGC / IFI aims to build a framework for 'responsible management of the Global Commons' and promotes international collaboration with diverse leaders and research institutions beyond academia. Moving forward, CGC will continue to strengthen institutional collaboration, build networks for co-creation between science and society, and engage in policy recommendations and impact evaluations.
[The Signing Ceremony]
(From left: RIKEN Executive Scientific Director, Sustainability Science Research Area Kazuki Saito, Team Director of CSRS Keiichi Mochida, Director of CSRS Mikiko Sodeoka, Executive Vice President Kyoko Nozaki, President Makoto Gonokami, PIK Directors Johan Rockström, Ottmar Edenhofer, Dr. Elmar Kriegler, IFI Director Kenji Fukushi, CGC Director Naoko Ishii, Dr. Yuya Kajikawa)
The signing ceremony was held online, attended by RIKEN President Makoto Gonokami, IFI Director Kenji Fukushi, CGC Director Naoko Ishii, PIK Directors Johan Rockström and Ottmar Edenhofer.
This MoU aims to create scientific knowledge that contributes to safeguarding the Global Commons by promoting the following activities, within the framework of the laws, regulations, and guidelines applicable to each institution, and subject to the availability of resources:
- Exchange of researchers and staff,
- Exchange of scientific and technological information, including delivering lectures and holding joint seminars and symposia,
- Exchange of scientific and technological research materials,
- Joint research projects,
- Dissemination of joint research outcomes to Society, including organization of joint symposia and publications of white papers, and
- Any other programs and activities incidental to the foregoing.
However, previous research has primarily focused on economic, environmental, and policy perspectives, and has not fully addressed fundamental scientific approaches. Considering this background, RIKEN has joined as a new partner starting in fiscal year 2024. With the participation of RIKEN, which has a world-class research foundation in fields such as plant science, materials science and information science, joint research among RIKEN, PIK and CGC commenced.
In October 2024, RIKEN and CGC jointly hosted the 'Global Commons Forum'. Together with internationally influential leaders from academia, industry, and NGOs, active discussions were held on strategies for safeguarding the Global Commons and transitioning to a new economic system.
The conclusion of this MoU aims to further deepen academic collaboration among RIKEN, PIK, and CGC.
CGC / IFI aims to build a framework for 'responsible management of the Global Commons' and promotes international collaboration with diverse leaders and research institutions beyond academia. Moving forward, CGC will continue to strengthen institutional collaboration, build networks for co-creation between science and society, and engage in policy recommendations and impact evaluations.
[The Signing Ceremony]
(From left: RIKEN Executive Scientific Director, Sustainability Science Research Area Kazuki Saito, Team Director of CSRS Keiichi Mochida, Director of CSRS Mikiko Sodeoka, Executive Vice President Kyoko Nozaki, President Makoto Gonokami, PIK Directors Johan Rockström, Ottmar Edenhofer, Dr. Elmar Kriegler, IFI Director Kenji Fukushi, CGC Director Naoko Ishii, Dr. Yuya Kajikawa)
