The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Centre for Social Innovation, and the Institute of Science Tokyo have joined forces to promote healthy and active lifestyles.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the organisations at an event held at the University’s SA1 Swansea Waterfront campus.
The agreement will facilitate collaboration in scientific research, development and evaluation of digital wearable technologies and related safety products and services. It will include the design, prototyping, testing and validation of technologies intended to promote safe and active living across the human lifespan.
The partnership will also focus on creating impactful studies and interventions that promote health and wellbeing across all stages of life, while addressing age-specific needs and risk reduction strategies.
As part of this initiative, the organisations will share expertise, resources, and knowledge and will explore joint opportunities for funding, academic publications, and the dissemination of research findings.
In addition to research collaboration, a proposed joint platform for staff training and exchange will include:
- Collaborative programmes in scientific research and teaching
- Professional development and training initiatives
- Visiting scholar opportunities
Professor Wendy Dearing, of the Centre for Social Innovation said:
“We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Institute of Science Tokyo. By combining expertise across research, education, and innovation, the partnership aims to deliver initiatives that support healthier lifestyles and improve well-being for communities in Wales and Japan.”
Mark Henwood, Medical Director at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said:
“Working with the Institute of Science Tokyo is very exciting opportunity for us all. It will enable us to share pioneering expertise and learning and look at different ways of doing things. This, in turn, will bring health and social benefits to our communities both in the Hywel Dda area and Japan.”
Professor Yoshifumi Nishida at the Institute of Science Japan added:
“We are exploring not only new technologies but also the creation of social systems to support a diverse society. We expect this opportunity to be an excellent chance to advance collaboration with the university of Wales Trinity Saint David and the Institute of Science Tokyo, both of which are pursuing pioneering initiatives in both areas.”
Professor Gareth Davies, Dean of the Institute of Management and Health, said:
“Our well established partnership with Hywel Dda University Heath Board aims to exploit our strengths in applied research and innovation to enhance the quality of life and improve the health and wellbeing of individuals in our communities. The opportunity to collaborate with the Institute of Science Japan adds value and an international perspective to our partnership and the opportunity to share knowledge, resources and expertise will be of huge benefit to the partnership and to the communities we serve.”
