TOKYO — Nestle S.A. has launched its first Japan-based research unit for fundamental scientific research at the University of Tokyo. The unit will focus on research in health and nutrition.

Nestle and the University of Tokyo also will collaborate on a program called Food for Life, which will look into emerging research topics in health and nutrition for the 21st century. The goal of the research is to provide scientific basis for the development of new products that will bring health benefits to consumers in Japan and around the world.

In addition, Nestle will commit around one million Swiss francs over a period of three years for an endowed chair.

Nestle has ongoing efforts in Japan as the Nestle Nutrition Council of Japan has constructed an extensive national research network over the past 20 years by providing grants and supporting to promise researchers in the field of food science and nutrition.

Nestle has been in Japan since 1913 and currently has three facilities in the country.