The ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB) at The University of Osaka, strengthening ties between two centres working at the intersection of quantum science and the life sciences.

The agreement formalises the intention of QUBIC and QIQB to strengthen research and academic collaboration, with researchers from both organisations exploring opportunities to exchange knowledge and develop activities in areas of mutual interest.

QUBIC welcomed a delegation from The University of Osaka to Brisbane for the signing, including QIQB Director Professor Masahiro Kitagawa, Deputy Director Professor Makoto Negoro and Research Manager Associate Professor Andrew Morrison.

Led by The University of Queensland, QUBIC brings together researchers from The University of Melbourne, University of Technology Sydney, University of Wollongong, and Flinders University, to advance quantum technologies for applications in health, agriculture and the environment.

QUBIC Director Professor Warwick Bowen said, “QUBIC was established to bring together expertise from quantum and the life sciences, and international partnerships are an important part of that mission.

“QIQB is one of a small number of centres worldwide with a similar focus. This agreement creates new opportunities for researchers from both centres to explore collaboration and contribute to the development of quantum technologies for the life sciences.”

Professor Kitagawa said the agreement reflected growing opportunities for international collaboration in quantum and life science research.

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks an important milestone in the close relationship between QIQB and QUBIC. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthening our collaboration and further deepening our partnership in the years ahead.”

“As quantum research continues to advance rapidly, collaboration between leading quantum research centres is increasingly important. By bringing together our complementary expertise, researchers and capabilities, we have an exciting opportunity to create new avenues for research, foster international exchange and contribute to the future of quantum science and technology.”

The agreement builds on connections established through qLIFE, the international conference on quantum technologies and the life sciences led by QUBIC in 2025. Researchers from QIQB participated in the inaugural conference last year, where discussions highlighted strong alignment across quantum science, biology and emerging quantum technologies. QIQB has joined the steering committee for qLIFE 2027, further strengthening collaboration between the centres.

Looking ahead, the agreement provides an opportunity for Australian and Japanese researchers to explore scientific exchange and collaboration in the emerging field of quantum biotechnology.

Image (L-R): Mr Takehiko Mori (Representative, Osaka Prefectural Government), A/Prof. Andrew Morrison (Research Manager, Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology), Ms Lisa Drew (Manager, Strategy and Partnerships, UQ Global Partnerships), Prof. Makoto Negoro (Deputy Director, Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology), Prof. Warwick Bowen (Director, ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology), Prof. Masahiro Kitagawa (Director, Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology), Mr Brett Lovegrove (Pro-Vice-Chancellor, UQ Global Partnerships), Prof Arkady Fedorov (Director, National Quantum Computing Testbed Facility, UQ), Prof Eleanor Rieffel (Director, Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance), Prof Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop (Deputy Director, ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology), Ms Rachael Birks (Chief Operating Officer, ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology).