RIKEN Omics Science Center and LEPL-Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University sign agreement for research cooperation

RIKEN and LEPL-Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University^* in Georgia signed an agreement on May 10, 2011 to promote research cooperation in the fields of genetics and genomics. Under this agreement, the RIKEN Omics Science Center and Department of Genetics, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, TSU will cooperate on genetic analyses.

In May 2010, Dr. Alexander Lezhava (Unit leader of the OSC Omics Function Research Unit) visited Georgia, his homeland, and met with Prof. Giorgi Khubua (Former rector of TSU), Prof. Ramaz Bochorishvili (Deen of Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences), and Prof. Teimuraz Lezhava (Head of Department of Genetics). TSU was fascinated by the genetic research conducted by the OSC, which has a variety potential applications.

Under this agreement, TSU will provide samples and cooperate with the OSC to promote the development of genetic research. Exchanging genetic data between Georgia, which is located between Europe and Asia, and Japan will be valuable with respect to genetic difference in ethnicities.

OSC and TSU will encourage and promote direct contacts between their scientists by exchanging scientists and organizing joint symposia. Through this collaboration they aim at contributing to the advancement of science and to the benefit of society at large.

Signing memorandum on research cooperation (May 10, 2010, at TSU in Georgia)

Prof. Teimuraz Lezhava (Head of Department of Genetics, TSU), Prof. Ramaz Botchorishvili (Deen of Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, TSU), Dr. Yoshihide Hayashizaki (Director of OSC), Dr. Alexander Kvitashvili (Rector of TSU), Dr. Nugzar Chitaia (Head of Higher Education Department Division, Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia), Dr. Alexander Lezhava (Unit leader of Omics Function Research Unit, OSC), Prof. Giorgi Ghvedashvili, (Head of Department of Scientific Research and Development, TSU)

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  LEPL-Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

  LEPL-Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) was founded in 1918 in Georgia. It is the oldest university in Georgia, as well as in the Caucasus region. The Rector is Mr. Aleksandre Kvitashvili, the former Minister of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia . TSU makes effort to cultivate internationalization in its students. The graduates do great work worldwide, especially in Europe. The number of students in TSU is more than 20,000. The Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences holds up to 4,000 students.