Aklan State University (ASU) and the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) formally signed a Joint Research Agreement on June 9, 2025, launching a collaborative project on marine biodiversity and climate resilience in Southeast Asia.
The project, titled “Evaluation of Marine Biodiversity in Coastal Areas of Southeast Asia: Improving Precisions in Estimating Past Trajectory, Current Status, and Future Forecast,” focuses on the conservation and scientific assessment of marine ecosystems in the Coral Triangle and surrounding regions.
Dr. Yasmin P. Tirol, one of the key figures in establishing the partnership, was also present during the signing ceremony, underscoring the importance of the collaboration for both institutions.
Under the agreement, ASU will provide laboratory facilities, research staff, and administrative support, while JIRCAS will send visiting scientists, provide research funding and equipment, and support joint research activities in both countries.
The courtesy visit and agreement signing highlight the growing international scientific cooperation between ASU and JIRCAS. The partnership runs until March 2026, with a provision for renewal based on project outcomes.
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