JSPS and The Royal Society of the UK have carried out a program of researcher exchange, joint research and other activities under memoranda signed in 1971, 1986 and 1993. At this juncture, the MoUs were amended and compiled into a single document. Taking the opportunity offered by Royal Society president Lord Robert May's visit to Japan, an MoU signing ceremony was held on 9 November 2004 at Chinzan-so, a tranquil Japanese garden venue in Tokyo. The memorandum framed a comprehensive program for advancing yet further scientific collaboration between the UK and Japan. Details for implementing the program will be worked out by the two agencies.

In addition to Lord May, present at the ceremony were JSPS president Prof. Motoyuki Ono, JSPS executive director Mr. Isao Kiso, and JSPS inspector general Dr. Hirochika Inoue. Mr. Naoki Murata, deputy director general, Science and Technology Policy Bureau, MEXT, also attended as an observer.

Lord May and Prof. Motoyuki Ono