On 13th December 2013, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)*1 announced that they would commence support for 3 jointly selected projects on "Nanobiotechnology" within the framework of the Japanese-Brazil Research Cooperative Program*2 as part of the FY2013 Strategic International Research Cooperative Program (SICP)*3. The selected projects are as follows:
1. "Bio-functionalization of Ti-based materials for osseointegrated implants" to be conducted by Takao Hanawa, Professor at Institute of Biomaterials and Bioegineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan, and Luís Augusto Sousa Marques da Rocha, Prof. Ass. Doutor at Departamento de Fisica, Faculdade de Ciencias de Bauru, Universidade Estadual Paulista, in Brazil.
This collaborative research aims to develop a new generation of bio-multifunctional Ti-based surfaces for osseointegrated implant surface, especially for strong adhesion of osteoblast and inhibition of bacterial adhesion through different surface modification techniques to obtain surfaces capable of being biologically selective.
2. "Amazon fruits nano-supplements development: nutrigenomic and nutrigenetic effects on aging and health (EPIDIET PROJECT)" to be conducted by Toshiro Aigaki, Professor at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University in Japan, and Ivana Beatrice Manica Da Cruz, Professor at Centro de Ciencias da Saude/Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria in Brazil.
This collaborative research aims to develop nano-supplements promoting human health and longevity, through elucidating the functionality of Amazonian fruits at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels using in vitro and in vivo experimental systems.
3. "Evaluation of different extracts and isolated compounds from Brazilian Propolis in obesity and diabetes via in vitro and in vivo assay" to be conducted by Je Tae Woo, Professor at the Department of Biological Chemistry, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University in Japan, and Jairo Kenupp Bastos, Professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo in Brazil.
This collaborative research aims to obtain scientific evidences for the development of nano-functional foods of for prevention and improvement of obesity and diabetes with the use of Brazilian green propolis.
There were 13 proposals submitted in response to the joint call for proposals conducted by JST and CNPq, which closed in August, 2013. JST and CNPq had the proposals evaluated by experts, and based on that evaluation with regard to quality of the research plan and expected effectiveness of exchange plans, agreed on the three successful projects.
JST and CNPq will start supporting the research exchange projects in January 2014. The support will continue for three years.
*1National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq):
The CNPq was founded as an agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) in Brazil in 1951. The CNPq promotes scientific and technological research and encourage the formation of Brazilian researchers.
URL of CNPq's homepage: http://www.cnpq.br/
*2Japanese-Brazilian Research Cooperative Program:
In May 2005, when President Lula visited Japan, he had a talk with then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and agreed to promote more collaboration between the two countries in science and technology. In response to this, CNPq, MEXT and JST negotiated a field in which to conduct SICP, which lead to the agreement on “Biomass and Biotechnology” at the Science and Technology Joint Committee in May 2009. JST and CNPq concluded their MoU for collaboration in October 2009. This is the second time that projects have been selected for funding in this Program.
*3Strategic International Research Cooperative Program (SICP) :
SICP is a "top-down type" program that provides support to international research projects with countries and regions, in fields of cooperation designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) on the basis of intergovernmental agreements.
URL of SICP's homepage: http://www.jst.go.jp/inter/english/sicp/index.html
Attachments
Attachment 1: "FY2013 Strategic International Research Cooperative Program (SICP) "Japan-Brazil Research Exchange Projects
Attachment 2: Overview of JST-CNPq Research Cooperative Program and Evaluation
Enquiries
Japan Science and Technology Agency, Department of International Affairs
K’s Gobancho, 7, Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0076
Soichi Kubota (Mr.), Emi Kaneko (Ms.) and Shoko Hirakawa (Ms.)
Fax:+81-3-5214-7379 Tel:+81-3-5214-7375
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