Rutgers, RWJBarnabas Health, and Hiroshima University Join Forces in Health Sciences Research

The tri-institutional agreement aims to advance cancer research and clinical trials, offering new avenues for innovation and education in New Jersey and Japan.

New Jersey/Hiroshima, Japan – A landmark Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed on Sunday, October 15, 2023, in Hiroshima, Japan, formalizing a joint effort between Rutgers University, RWJBarnabas Health, and Hiroshima University to strengthen health sciences research, particularly in the field of cancer. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Dr. Mitsuo Ochi, President of Hiroshima University, were present to witness this milestone event.

The Core Details

The LOI was signed by Antonio M. Calcado, Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer at Rutgers University, Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer at RWJBarnabas Health, and Mitsu Ochi, M.D., Ph.D., President at Hiroshima University. By joining hands, these institutions aim to collaborate on digestive tract cancer clinical trials, as well as create an academic exchange involving top researchers and students.

"With today's ceremony, we will establish a new, cross-continental partnership — one that will enable our top minds in New Jersey to engage and exchange ideas with researchers here in Hiroshima," Governor Murphy expressed his optimism regarding the far-reaching impact of the alliance.

Why This Matters to Morris County and New Jersey

For Morris County residents, the agreement holds significant potential. Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences (RBHS) and RWJBarnabas Health, both leading entities in New Jersey's health sciences industry, are now positioned to bring innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research closer to home. This will enhance both academic and healthcare services within the state and could potentially lead to breakthroughs that directly benefit local communities.

Brian Strom, chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, emphasized, "This visionary partnership presents a strategic opportunity for both institutions to advance investigator-initiated research in areas including cancer, clinical trials, and epidemiology studies."

Broader Context and Future Implications

The collaboration builds upon an existing relationship between Rutgers University and RWJBarnabas Health, which together form New Jersey’s largest academic health system. The LOI also opens doors for the mutual advancement of New Jersey and Japan’s health sciences industries, fostering new academic, business, and research and development opportunities.

"By signing this Letter of Intent, we are transcending traditional academic boundaries to foster and advance clinical research and education with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes internationally," said Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer for RWJBarnabas Health.

Hiroshima University, a top research institution in Japan, sees this partnership as an opportunity to extend its existing collaborations with American universities.

Mitsuo Ochi, President of Hiroshima University, noted, "Following today’s agreements, I envision Hiroshima University actively participating in academic and researcher exchanges in the field of healthcare."

In the landscape of global health sciences research, the tri-institutional agreement sets a precedent for international collaboration aimed at driving innovations in cancer research and patient care. As the partnership unfolds, Morris County and New Jersey at large stand to benefit from these advancements, further solidifying the state's reputation as a leader in the medical research and healthcare sectors.

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Chris Connors Editor

10-16-2023 3:45pm

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Fukui Prefecture Lieutenant Governor Mr. Yasuhiro Nakamura (中村保博副知事) announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that expands a partnership between the State of New Jersey and Fukui Prefecture, Japan. The agreement, signed by Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Nakamura during the Choose New Jersey governor-led economic mission to East Asia, promotes continued cooperation in the areas of education, culture, and the economy.

“This Memorandum of Understanding speaks to the fact that there has never been a better moment to invest in the future of New Jersey’s relationship with Japan,” said Governor Murphy. “As we face a new century of challenges and opportunities, we have a historic opportunity to take our partnership to new heights. And I believe there is no better partner for Japan than New Jersey.”

The partnership between New Jersey and Fukui Prefecture spans more than three decades, having been established as a friendship agreement in 1990. The MOU signed today is an expansion that promotes economic exchange, including trade, business matching, and corporate advancement. It also establishes opportunities for cultural and academic exchanges and the promotion of tourism to each region.

“We are very pleased to confirm with Governor Murphy our mutual intention to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two prefectures,” said Sugimoto Tatsuji, Governor of Fukui Prefecture. From March 2024, it will be possible to come to Fukui Prefecture from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train without having to change trains. I hope that this will be an opportunity for many people from both prefectures to come and go between each other's regions and for exchange to become more active.”

“New Jersey and Japan share a strong bilateral relationship reflected in their highly skilled talent pools, renowned university networks, and dedication to innovating the world,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The commitment today by Governor Murphy, Governor Sugimoto and Lieutenant Governor Nakamura to expand New Jersey’s 30-year partnership with Fukui Prefecture will build on the shared strengths of both geographies and create new, mutually beneficial opportunities to grow our economies.”

“Leaders across New Jersey understand the value of international exchange programs and efforts to stimulate economic growth across borders,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “This foundational agreement is important for our continued partnership with Fukui Prefecture.”

The initial agreement signed in 1990 was based on the friendship between Kusakabe Taro and William Elliot Griffis at Rutgers College more than 100 years prior. Taro was the first Japanese student to enroll at Rutgers in the 1860s, and Griffis, his friend and tutor, helped work to advance the relationship between the United States and Japan. In addition to the statewide partnership with Fukui Prefecture, Fukui City has a sister-city relationship with The City of New Brunswick.