May 20/Vevey, Switzerland/London Stock Exchange Aggregated Regulatory News Service (ARNS) -- Nestlé S.A. launched its first Japan-based research unit for fundamental scientific research. The research unit, part of Nestlé Science and Research in Switzerland, is based at the University of Tokyo and focuses on fundamental research in nutrition and health.

This collaboration between Nestlé and the University of Tokyo is further strengthened by a new joint research program, "Food for Life." The program was announced by Junichi Hamada, president of the University of Tokyo, and Peter van Bladeren, head of Nestlé Science and Research, and will begin on June 1, 2009. It will explore emerging research topics in health and nutrition for the 21st century, such as healthy ageing with special focus on mobility and cognitive performance. Through sharing knowledge and expertise, this research will provide the scientific basis for developing new products that will bring health benefits to consumers in Japan and world-wide.

Nestlé has committed around CHF 1 million over a period of three years for a chair endowed by Nestlé. The research collaboration will also include the secondment of scientists from the Nestlé Research Center in Lausanne. Nestlé is the first nutrition, health and wellness company outside Asia to contribute to the academic program of the University of Tokyo.

From the May 26, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition