Monday, November 11th, 2019
Science and Technology


Dr. YOSHINO Akira awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, visited Prime Minister ABE Shinzo at the prime minister’s official residence on November 11. Dr. Yoshino held an informal meeting with the prime minister and MEXT Minister HAGIUDA Koichi before making a presentation at the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation.

At the informal meeting, Dr. Yoshino introduced a recent episode on how a child asked for his handshake and autograph while he was out taking a walk. Dr. Yoshino said he’s very happy the public shares his joy in winning the Nobel Prize, and hopes his experience and knowledge will even if a little, help Japan’s national policy management.

Prime Minister Abe said Dr. Yoshino’s research has transformed and enriched the lives of people around the world. Abe said universities and the private sector must each fulfill their role to spur innovation while also collaborating to develop new innovations.

Dr. Yoshino then attended the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation meeting to speak about basic research and supporting young researchers. He stressed the importance of basic research, and his hopes for a smart society in the future that is capable of managing both environmental issues together with economic activities.

Towards the end of the meeting, Prime Minister Abe said Japan must maintain leading the world in top-level research into the future. Abe said supporting and strengthening young researchers is by far, most important so that young people can have hope and dream to pursue a career in research. But in order to do so, Abe said the research environment at universities and national research and development agencies must be drastically improved for young researchers.
The prime minister asked the council to advance overall reforms including securing positions, creating career paths, and streamlining funding allocations to give young researchers a stable research environment so they can devote themselves to challenging research with out-of-the-box ideas.

MEXT, which manages universities and national research and development agencies, will make full efforts to enhance Japan’s research capabilities.


※Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office website)

 

Dr. Yoshino speaks at Council for Science, Technology and Innovation meeting, Prime Minister Abe calls on ministers for drastic improvements in research environment for young researchers

 

Dr. Yoshino speaks at Council for Science, Technology and Innovation meeting, Prime Minister Abe calls on ministers for drastic improvements in research environment for young researchers

 

Dr. Yoshino speaks at Council for Science, Technology and Innovation meeting, Prime Minister Abe calls on ministers for drastic improvements in research environment for young researchers

 

Dr. Yoshino speaks at Council for Science, Technology and Innovation meeting, Prime Minister Abe calls on ministers for drastic improvements in research environment for young researchers

 

Dr. Yoshino speaks at Council for Science, Technology and Innovation meeting, Prime Minister Abe calls on ministers for drastic improvements in research environment for young researchers

 

Dr. Yoshino speaks at Council for Science, Technology and Innovation meeting, Prime Minister Abe calls on ministers for drastic improvements in research environment for young researchers

Link to 46th meeting of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation