The Moonshot Goal 9 program aims to identify quantitative indicators of the human mind by collecting and integrating data from the same subjects, and conducting multifaceted analysis using a unified methodology throughout the program. To further strengthen this initiative internationally and develop common indicators, JST, Leibniz-Institut für Resilienzforschung (LIR) in Germany, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) in the Netherlands jointly convened workshops for the International Common Indicators Initiative (ICII) in March 2026. These workshops advanced understanding of the human mind based on multi-dimensional indicators, including psychological, physiological, neurobiological, and omics data. The discussions culminated in the formal launch of the ICII consortium and the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC).

On March 24, 2026, Mr. Shigeo Morimoto, Vice President of JST, and Prof. Dr. Klaus Lieb, Scientific Managing Director of LIR, signed the MoC at LIR. The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Meike Bartels, Head of the Department Biological Psychology of VU, Dr. Frank-Dieter Kuchta, Deputy Head of the Department of Research at the Ministry of Science and Health, Rhineland Palatinate (Mainz, Germany), and Mr. Takeshi Ito, Consul General of Japan in Frankfurt am Main. On the following day, March 25, Mr. Shigeo Morimoto, Vice President of JST, Prof. Dr. Jeroen Geurts, Rector Magnificus of VU, and other representatives gathered at VU to sign the MoC and to commemorate the partnership, with Mr. Daisuke Nakano, Chargé d'affaires ad interim of Japan, in attendance.

Moonshot Goal 9 will further strengthen international research collaboration with LIR and VU—promoting innovative approaches to enhancing well-being, resilience, and mental health, and contributing to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the human mind.

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