Group photo taken at the MoC signing ceremony
Japan’s National Institute of Health and Crisis Management (JIHS) and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), along with Brazil’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at strengthening collaboration in the field of infectious disease research.
The two organizations have been deepening their collaboration through the technical cooperation project currently being implemented by JICA, titled “Project to Strengthen the Genomic Monitoring Network for COVID-19 (FINDINGS)”*. Building on the trust and research achievements established through this project, this MoC represents a new step toward continuing joint research and personnel exchanges between research institutions in both countries even after the project concludes.
*In Brazil, in addition to COVID-19, responding to various infectious diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus has become a major public health challenge. This project, primarily through collaboration between the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) and Fiocruz, aims to strengthen infectious disease surveillance systems through genomic analysis, promote joint research, and foster human resource development, thereby supporting the establishment of a sustainable genomic monitoring network capable of responding rapidly to infectious disease outbreaks. [jica.go.jp]
[1] National Institute of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health and Crisis Management
[2] Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz): A national public health and infectious disease research institute under the Brazilian Ministry of Health that is responsible for healthcare, research, education, vaccine development, and other activities.
“Results and Outlook Shared at the International Workshop”
Prior to the signing of the MoC, the “FINDINGS International Workshop 2026: Metagenomics from the Bench to Clinical Interpretation” was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2026, and the “2nd Japan-Brazil International Cooperation Seminar” was held in Salvador.
The workshop was conducted as a hands-on program in which participants learned the entire process—from determining gene sequences using next-generation sequencers on clinical specimens to identifying the causative pathogen through bioinformatics-based data analysis of those sequences. This technology was used to identify the causative pathogen during an outbreak of Andes virus—a type of hantavirus—on a cruise ship from April to May of this year, which resulted in fatalities.
Researchers from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Osaka University in Japan participated in the program and, in collaboration with researchers from Fiocruz, led lectures and hands-on sessions. Participants from across Brazil eagerly learned about the latest genome analysis technologies and insights in infectious disease research, and a lively exchange of ideas took place.
At the 2nd Japan-Brazil International Cooperation Seminar, held subsequently, participants shared research findings and technical advancements gained through the project and discussed the importance of utilizing genomic information in infectious disease control, as well as the future direction of joint Japan-Brazil research. It was confirmed that research institutions in Salvador have the necessary facilities and systems for genetic diagnosis and genomic analysis, and there was a shared expectation that collaboration with the Japanese side would lead to the standardization of analytical methods and the further development of joint research.
This seminar and workshop provided a valuable opportunity for researchers from both Japan and Brazil to reflect on their achievements to date and explore new possibilities for cooperation in future infectious disease control efforts.
Expert Suzuki (National Institute of Infectious Diseases) during the workshop
“MoC Signed—Toward Continued Research Collaboration Beyond the Project”
On July 30, 2026, at the Fiocruz headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Fiocruz held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of infectious disease research.
At the signing ceremony, Fiocruz President Moreira opened the proceedings by stating that international cooperation is essential for advancing the foundation’s mission and that the signing of the MoC is a most welcome development. In addition, representatives from both organizations discussed future areas of cooperation and exchanged views on collaboration spanning the broad field of infectious diseases—not limited to the specific research areas covered by past projects—as well as joint human resource development initiatives. Participants noted that they sensed the enthusiasm of both organizations regarding future progress. It is hoped that the signing of the MoC will serve as an opportunity to further deepen the cooperative relationship between the two organizations and contribute to the control of infectious diseases not only in both countries but on a global scale.
Tetsuro Matano, Director, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
Q: What is the significance of signing this MoC?
A: Infectious diseases know no borders, and it is essential for government agencies and research institutions in various countries involved in infectious disease control to collaborate in their response. The recent COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of this necessity. I believe that establishing a network between the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) and Fiocruz—the leading infectious disease research institutions in Japan and Brazil, respectively—will become a key component of the global infrastructure for infectious disease control.
In April 2025, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) will be integrated with the National Center for Global Health and Medicine under the newly established Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS), and we are making even greater efforts to advance the international cooperation initiatives we have long been engaged in. We view the signing of this Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) as part of those efforts. We believe it is important to strengthen the relationship between the two institutions not only to jointly advance research activities—which is the Institute’s mission—but also to foster young researchers with international capabilities through personnel exchanges and to contribute to global infectious disease control through the exchange of information.
Q: What strengths and opportunities do you see in collaborating with Fiocruz?
A: Fiocruz plays a vital role in the field of infectious diseases not only within Brazil but also throughout Central and South America, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, given the recent increase in the influx of infectious diseases across national borders, establishing a global-level research and information network is essential for infectious disease control in Japan. We believe that deepening our cooperative relationship with Fiocruz on this occasion is of utmost importance to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, as it represents the establishment of our first research and information network hub in South America. Fiocruz possesses outstanding research capabilities, and we are confident that by sharing and complementing the strengths of both organizations, we will be able to promote an “Equal Partnership” and contribute to the strengthening and development of both organizations.
Q: Please tell us what you hope to see in future Japan-Brazil cooperation.
A: Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the lead representatives from both sides, we have made progress in building a relationship of trust, which has led to the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). Going forward, we hope to build upon the foundation established through JICA’s technical cooperation projects to expand our collaboration into even more areas of infectious disease control, while also ensuring that this strong relationship of trust is sustained and further developed for future generations. To that end, we hope that—in addition to conducting joint research—active personnel exchanges between our two institutions will help foster young researchers capable of responding to infectious diseases on an international scale.
Shigeyuki Itamura, Chief Project Advisor, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
Q: How has your relationship with Fiocruz evolved since the project began?
A: Due to a lack of mutual understanding between Brazil and Japan during the project formulation phase prior to the start of cooperation, the significance of this project was not fully grasped, and it was launched amid some confusion. Subsequently, through persistent dialogue and activities such as dispatching Japanese experts and hosting trainees, we took the time to steadily build a relationship of trust, which led the Brazilian side to adopt a more proactive stance. As a result, I believe we have established a shared understanding that this project is designed to enhance both parties’ research capabilities and that we wish to proceed with joint research activities. The decision to conclude this MoC between the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Fiocruz stems from our recognition of the importance of building upon this project to continuously advance research collaboration and human resource development.
Q: How do you evaluate the signing of this MoC as a project outcome?
A: We assess that the work carried out under this project was not a one-way effort; rather, it was fully understood by the Brazilian side and recognized as being of extremely high value. Furthermore, we see that “fostering a sense of ownership and autonomy on the Brazilian side”—which we have prioritized as the most important aspect of our project management policy—is beginning to take shape. We interpret this as reflecting the commitment of both organizations to ensure that the project’s outcomes are not merely temporary, but rather lead to a sustainable and evolving partnership. At the same time, we believe we have established a foundation for sustaining the project’s outcomes after its conclusion. In that sense, we consider the signing of this MoC to be of great significance.
Q: Please tell us what developments you expect after the project ends.
A: Building on the relationship of trust between our two institutions fostered through this project, I have high hopes that we will collaborate not only in the specific field of infectious diseases but also on issues of importance to both institutions, leading to research outcomes that contribute to global infectious disease control. I also look forward to seeing our partnership grow further, fostering the development of young researchers with the capacity to respond to infectious diseases on an international scale.
Marilda Agudo Mendonsa T de Siqueira, Project Manager and Head of the Virology Laboratory at the Oswald Cruz Institute (pictured right)
Q: What opportunities will the signing of the MoC open up?
A: The signing of the MoC marks a very important milestone in strengthening the relationship between Fiocruz and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, which is part of the JIHS.
This MoC establishes a broad and robust institutional foundation for international cooperation in the fields of research, technological development, and health policy. This will enable joint research and development projects to be structured more systematically, while also promoting exchanges among researchers and technical experts, facilitating the organization of training programs, workshops, seminars, and academic conferences, and expanding the exchange of technical information and materials.
We believe that a partnership with Japan is essential, as it enables us to translate shared insights into concrete results in public health.
Q: What are the benefits of cooperating with Japan?
A: Cooperation with Japan brings extremely significant benefits in scientific, technological, institutional, and human resources terms.
One of the main benefits is the promotion of joint research that combines the experience of Fiocruz and other Brazilian institutions with the outstanding scientific and technological capabilities of Japanese institutions. This complementarity will strengthen our capacity to address challenges in the health sector, improve research and surveillance methods, and expand the generation of knowledge that can benefit not only Brazil and Japan but also other countries.
Our partnership with Japan is particularly valuable because it is based on trust, mutual benefit, and shared interests. Japan has a widely recognized tradition of scientific rigor, innovation, and preparedness for health crises.
Q: What significance does FINDINGS hold for researchers and young professionals in Brazil?
A: The FINDINGS project is of great significance, as it transforms scientific cooperation between Brazil and Japan into practical opportunities in the areas of research, human resource development, and vocational skills development.
For young researchers and other professionals currently in the early stages of their careers, FINDINGS offers a particularly valuable opportunity. By participating in international collaboration, they can learn new methods, enhance their technical skills, develop the ability to work in multicultural teams, and gain an understanding of how large-scale scientific projects are planned, implemented, and evaluated.
In addition to receiving scientific training, these young researchers will have the opportunity to build long-term professional relationships, participate in the publication of papers and other academic activities, and join international research networks.
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