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A trilateral agreement between The University of Western Australia, China's Zhejiang University and Japan's Kobe University will establish for the first time important education and scientific links between the three institutions.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement, UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said the trilateral collaboration was based on Western Australia's strength in medical research, Japan's strength in bio-engineering, particularly in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, and China's access to clinical trials.

"The agreement will involve research in bio-engineering and particularly orthopaedics and rehabilitation," Professor Robson said.

"These include tissue imaging (such as MRI, X-ray and endoscopy), tissue loading (measurements and computer modelling) and tissue intervention (prostheses, tissue engineering and rehabilitation)."

UWA has had a close relationship with Zhejiang University since 2004, when a partnership was established with the aim of extending links between Western Australia and Zhejiang Province.

Since then, the partnership has resulted in the establishment of:

• UWA-Zhejiang University joint laboratory in Plant Function Genomics and Nutriomics
• Australia-China Biotherapeutics Centre
• Australia's first Confucius Institute, located on campus at UWA
• Regular staff and student exchanges between both universities including language and cultural studies and joint research.

"We regard international agreements and collaborations as a fundamental opportunity to enhance our educational programs and research capacity, as well as strengthening important international partnerships," Professor Robson said.

Media references

Professor Alan Robson  (+61 8)  6488 2809
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716