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The Community of Rectors from the Ecuadorian Corporation for the Development of Research and Academia (CEDIA) —Ecuador’s national research and education network and an active member of RedCLARA—conducted a strategic visit to Japan, one of the world’s foremost hubs for science and technology.

Representatives from 22 Ecuadorian universities participated in this academic mission, aiming to deepen their understanding of innovation ecosystems, identify best educational practices, and explore new partnerships to strengthen higher education in Ecuador.
The delegation launched its agenda at the University of Tokyo’s Medical Science Museum, a key center for biomedical knowledge in Japan. Later that day, they met with Osamu Kobayashi, Director of International Affairs at the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), who presented major initiatives, including SATREPS, which focuses on sustainable development, and the Sakura Science Exchange Program, which supports academic and scientific mobility.
In Tsukuba, widely known as Japan’s “Science City,” the rectors explored the Tsukuba Geology Museum and the AIST Cube. These institutions integrate applied science with real-world solutions in areas such as robotics, healthcare, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence. The group concluded the day at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), where they engaged in discussions about potential collaboration on nanosatellite projects and specialized technology training.
On the third day, Ecuador’s Ambassador to Japan, César Montaño, welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in science and technology. During the meeting, CEDIA President Cecilia Paredes reaffirmed the mission’s goal of building long-lasting bridges to support the development of higher education in Ecuador. Juan Pablo Carvallo, CEDIA’s Executive Director, highlighted the organization’s strategic role in connecting academic networks that are equipped to meet contemporary global challenges.
The visit concluded at Miraikan—the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation—where the delegation explored interactive exhibits on climate change, robotics, and artificial intelligence, reinforcing the relationship between science, civic engagement, and policy design for the future.
This mission marked a strategic step in the internationalization of Ecuador’s university system. Every meeting and conversation created new pathways for cooperation, shared learning, and innovation.
As a RedCLARA member, CEDIA continues to promote scientific and technological collaboration at both national and international levels. Its work strengthens Ecuador’s academic ecosystem and fosters deeper integration with global knowledge networks, such as those now emerging with key institutions in Japan.