USM-RIKEN Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Advanced Sciences (URICAS), formerly known as USM-RIKEN International Centre for Ageing Science, was established as a collaborative program by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and RIKEN, Japan to undertake interdisciplinary research.
The research theme for the first five years (2015-2020) was on ageing science, and since then URICAS has broadened its research scope.
On 20th February 2015, an MoU was signed between USM and RIKEN at RIKEN’s Wako Campus to establish the USM-RIKEN International Centre for Ageing Science (URICAS). USM was represented by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman and RIKEN by the then President, Prof. Dr. Ryoji Noyori. This event crowned almost two decades of relationship in collaborative research between RIKEN and USM.
This research programme on advanced sciences would also provide the space and opportunity to young researchers from both countries to be involved in doing intensive research in this area.
One of the main objectives of the formation of URICAS is on the training of bright young researchers from USM at RIKEN in advanced sciences through a joint graduate exchange programme known as RIKEN International Program Associate.