École Polytechnique and Waseda University formalize partnership to strengthen academic and scientific collaboration

During its recent mission to Japan, a delegation from École Polytechnique, led by Gaëlle Le Goff, Director for International Affairs, finalized a cooperation agreement with Waseda University. This new partnership, signed on January 22, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two institutions, opening unprecedented opportunities for students and researchers in economics and applied mathematics.

This agreement formalizes and strengthens pre-existing ties between École Polytechnique and Waseda University, particularly in the areas of applied mathematics and economics, where researchers from both institutions have previously collaborated. It establishes a clear framework for student mobility and joint research projects.

During the visit to Tokyo, the École Polytechnique delegation met with Mr. Yuzo USAMI, Director of the Center for International Education at Waseda, as well as professors from the faculties of Political Science and Economics and Fundamental Science and Engineering. These discussions provided an opportunity to present École Polytechnique’s mobility programs, such as the PRTI (International Talent Research Program), supported by the École Polytechnique Foundation, and to explore the modalities for welcoming Waseda students to École Polytechnique.

Concrete Opportunities for Students and Researchers

This partnership opens new perspectives for students and researchers from both institutions:

• Academic exchange programs, allowing students to take courses in various disciplines while benefiting from a stimulating cultural and scientific environment.
• Research collaborations between the laboratories of both institutions, with a focus on interdisciplinary projects in economics and applied mathematics.

Since 2018, researchers from Waseda have regularly participated in seminars and workshops organized by École Polytechnique’s Center for Applied Mathematics (CMAP) and Center for Research in Economics and Statistics (CREST). This new agreement aims to expand these exchanges and provide a formal framework for students and researchers from both institutions.

"Since the signing of a strategic partnership with the University of Tokyo in 1994, Japan has been a historic and strategic partner for École Polytechnique. Our presence here today reflects our commitment to strengthening synergies between our institutions, laboratories, and innovation ecosystems. The signing of this agreement with Waseda University is a testament to this. This partnership offers our students and researchers unique international opportunities while deepening our scientific collaborations in key areas such as economics and applied mathematics." said Gaëlle Le Goff, Director for International Affairs at École Polytechnique.