The European Interest Group (EIG CONCERT-Japan) is an international joint initiative aimed at supporting and strengthening scientific, technological, and innovation (STI) cooperation between Europe and Japan.
On October 29, 2024, the program held the opening workshop of its 10th joint call, entitled “Solutions for Carbon-Neutral Cities”, hosted by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS) and the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS).
The event gathered nearly 50 participants, including six research groups, representatives of funding agencies, and members of the scientific committee.
The workshop marked the official launch of the research collaborations under the 10th joint call and provided a platform for project groups to present their objectives and initial plans, while fostering interdisciplinary and intercultural dialogue. Professor Hiroaki Furumai, Program Officer of JST, chaired the event, ensuring fruitful discussions throughout the day.
Each of the six research groups had the opportunity to present their project, outlining its objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. These presentations laid the foundation for lively debates, encouraging exchange among participants and early-stage collaboration.
Within the GREENQUAL consortium, Óbuda University (project leader: Dr. Viktória Sugár), F4STER Ltd., Osaka University, and the University of Agriculture in Kraków are working together to examine the role of green spaces in dense urban fabrics in enhancing climate resilience and improving water, soil, and air quality.