Research and development infrastructure, such as advanced research equipment and facilities, research materials, databases and other intellectual infrastructure, and information infrastructure, is essential to creative and unique research and development activities. MEXT therefore prepares advanced large-scale research facilities such as the large synchrotron radiation facility (SPring-8), the X-ray free electron laser (SACLA), the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC), and innovative high-performance computing infrastructure including the Supercomputer "K computer" and opens them to a variety of researchers. In addition, MEXT works to strategically develop advanced measurement and analysis technology and equipment, bio-resources and some other items, and enhance systems for the transmission and comprehensive distribution of science and technology information.

(Research and Development Infrastructure Division, Science and Technology Policy Bureau)