MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“MoU”)__________________________________________________________________________
12 th February 2009

Date:Parties

1. Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute (ATR), Kyoto, representedby
Professor Mitsuo Kawato
2. The National Institute of Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, represented byProfessor Tadashi Isa
3. The University of Newcastle upon Tyne represented byProfessor Colin Ingram
Professor Stuart Baker
RecitalsA.

Technological advances in both brain science and engineering are opening opportunities
for direct interaction between the nervous system and physical devices. Research of thisBrain-Machine Interface (BMI) has the opportunity to generate devices both for the benefitof able bodied people and for patients who suffer with some impairment of brain function.
The field of BMI research includes implants that can be used to restore lost function of thenervous system, non-invasive devices that can be used to assist humans to performparticular functions, and methods for measurement and interpretation of brain signals thatcan be used to operate devices.

B.

Both the UK and Japan have research groups which are working on various aspects of BMIresearch. These projects include work on devices that assist or restore movement, retinalimplants to restore sight, cochlear implants to improve or restore hearing, and brain
stimulators to correct abnormal activity. This work is supported by funding from various
government agencies, charitable organisations, universities and commercial companies.

C.

The Parties, who are actively fostering the development of BMI research in their respective
countries, undertake to promote cooperation between groups in the UK and Japan in orderto facilitate progress in BMI research. This Memorandum of Agreement is hereby enteredinto to foster increased international cooperation and to build stronger partnerships in BMI
research.

__________________________________________________________________________
Within the field of Research of the Brain-Machine Interface, opportunities for the following
general forms of co-operation will be explored ( “the Purpose ”):

1. Scope of Cooperation__________________________________________________________________________
1.1

Joint Meetings and Exchange Visits
Where mutually beneficial, the Parties will seek opportunities to host joint meetings at which
ideas and results may be shared between participants in the common goal of promoting
BMI research. Exchanges of researchers who are able to explore common objectives andconduct research is also to be encouraged. The Parties will help identify suitable
collaborative partnerships in their respective countries and will endeavour to identify andhelp secure third party funding to enable facilitating visits to take place.

1.2

Joint Research
In order to foster international cooperation and collaboration, the Parties aim to increase
participation in mutually beneficial joint-research projects. Where the opportunities arise,the Parties will encourage joint submissions for funding from national and international
agencies to support collaborative projects. Detailed arrangements for each project will bespecified in separate agreements between the collaborating groups.
1.3

All parties understand that all financial arrangements will have to be negotiated and will
depend on the availability of funds. Each Party shall be responsible for and bear all of its
own costs, risks and liabilities arising out of its obligations and efforts in accordance withthe provisions of this MoU. This MoU is not intended to create any obligations for breachof which any damages may be sought by or awarded to either Party

1.4

The Parties intend to co-operate in good faith to achieve the Purpose. This does not create
any legally binding rights or obligations but reflects the intentions of the Parties to work
together in good faith to promote and monitor the agreed Purpose. Individual contracts
may be developed to enable the delivery of the agreed Purpose.

1.5This MoU is not intended to be and shall not be construed to create or give effect to a joint
venture, association, partnership or other business organisation or agency arrangement andneither Party shall have the authority under this MOU to bind the other without the priorwritten approval of the other Party.

2. Amendments__________________________________________________________________________
This MoU can be amended by mutual written consent of the parties.

3. Term of the Agreement__________________________________________________________________________
Following agreement, this MoU shall be reviewed after 3 years and shall, subject to mutual
agreement to renew, terminate after 5 years. If this MoU remains dormant for three consecutive
years it will be deemed to have lapsed. Any party may terminate the MoU at any time by mutual
consent or by six months' notice in writing.

SignedProfessor Mitsuo Kawato
Director, ATR Computational Neuroscience Laboratories, Kyoto____________________________
Signature
Professor Tadashi Isa
Head, Division of Behavioural Development
National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki____________________________
Signature
Professor Colin Ingram
The University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Director, Institute of Neuroscience____________________________Signature
Professor Stuart Baker
The University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Professor of Movement Neuroscience____________________________
Signature