Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERMENT POLICICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1994 > PART II Chapter 6 Section 1

Scientific research is dedicated to the creation of universal knowledge, with the aim of discovering the truth across the entire spectrum of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The achievements of scientific research are the common intellectual property of all humanity. They sustain and enrich our lives through applied science and technology, and they form a foundation for the advancement of humanity and of society.

The caliber of scientific research in Japan has risen dramatically in recent years, and in many fields Japanese research is now among the most advanced in the world. This improvement in the standard of Japanese research and the expansion of Japan's international role are reflected in strong expectations that Japan will make a positive contribution to world scientific research through an increased emphasis on original and pioneering research.

Universities in particular have an extremely important role to play as centers of scientific research. Their mission is to establish, maintain, and improve academic infrastructure and to develop a wide range of human resources, including able researchers, who form an indispensable part of that infrastructure. There have been widespread expressions of concern, however, about the worsening environment for scientific research, including the aging and deterioration of university research facilities and equipment and the inadequacy of research funds. Alleviation of these problems is an urgent priority.

In July 1992 the Science Council submitted a report titled "Strategies for Comprehensive Promotion of Scientific Research with a View to the Twenty-first Century." In response to this and other reports, the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture is working to upgrade Japan's scientific-research base to international standards through planned and prioritized efforts. It is also working to develop scientific research systems that are internationally open and capable of responding flexibly to new advances in scientific research. To achieve these goals, the Ministry is actively implementing a comprehensive range of policies, including the expansion of research funds, the improvement of university research facilities and equipment, the training and recruitment of young researchers, and the prioritized promotion of basic research.