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Part Promotion of Scientific Research

The term "scientific research" encompasses a wide range of creative and intellectual activities within the humanities. social sciences and natural sciences. Its ultimate goal consists in the search for truth. The results of scientific research form the basis for the development of human society as the common intellectual property of humankind.

Because of its intrinsic character and vital importance. scientific research must have a great deal of support from the Government. In Japan, its promotion is assigned to the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture which is also involved in the nation's educational and cultural affairs.

Remarkable changes have recently taken place in the world. We realize an increase in international exchanges within the economic, social and cultural sectors. At the same time, there is an increasing number of pressing global issues to be solved. It is an important time for Japan to contribute to this international effort. Concurrently with these changes, society itself is evolving rapidly witnessed by the rising dependence on high-tech information and increasing diversification in people's value systems.

With the realization that scientific research is at the heart of the nation's develorment as it moves toward the 21st century, it is earnestly hoped that Japan can contribute scientific knowledge to the world. There is a tendency for scientific research to concentrate on high-leve1 advancement, large scale projects, or interdisciplinary activities. When conducting research, however, it is vitally important to maintain a harmonious balance with society and its members. It is also important to make efforts to counteract the relative decline in university research environments and maintain the university as a center for scientific research.

The Ministry, based on reports and recommendations of its Science Council, is promoting the improvement of research circumstances in terms of research funds, scientists and research systems. It, however, is still impossible to saw that the research base in Japan is sufficiently consolidated on a par with that of the most advanced Western nations.

On the other hand, using indicators such as the number of published papers, citation frequencies, scientific awards, and speakers at international conferences, Japan easily ranks with European nations in most areas of science, but still lags behind America. Japanese researchers have steadily contributed to elevating the level of research despite stringent research conditions. Especially in those fields which have been given priority by the Ministry, Japan is on the cutting edge of international science.

In order that Japan may further develop creative research and contribute to enhancing the common intellectual property of humankind, appropriate strategies must be developed to deal with the issues brought up in the following chapters.

The Science Council under the banner of "strategies for comprehensive promotion of scientific research with the prospect of the 21st century" is making inquiries from long-term and al]-round viewpoints. These include strategies for promoting scientific research, the training and securing of researchers, increasing research funds, and promoting international exchange.

Recently, private enterprises, too, have tended to lay stress, not only on short-term, object-oriented development research, but also on medium-term basic research aimed at the development of frontier science and technology. The Government should consider the whole span of research activities, including those outside the university, when creating science policy.