On November 22, 2001, AIST concluded a General Agreement on Comprehensive Research Cooperation with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France. Dr. Geneviève Berger, the President of CNRS, and Dr. Hiroyuki Yoshikawa, the President of AIST, attended the signing ceremony held in Tokyo and signed both Agreements written in French and Japanese.

The CNRS is one of the leading research and administrative organizations in Europe with about 26,000 employees and a Fr.13.8 billion annual budget.

It covers a wide spectrum of research fields such as mathematical physics, nuclear physics, basic engineering, space engineering, human and social sciences, chemistry, and life sciences.

The AIST is planning to develop an Institute Partnership Program with influential research organizations all over the world. Its objectives are continuing research cooperation, mutual exchange of researchers and joint symposiums. We are currently preparing for the conclusion of general agreements with these organizations. The Agreement with CNRS is the first achievement in our efforts and we hope that this will enhance our partnership in research activities.