Research and Technology in Japan by Dr G.A. Papadopoulos Research Director National Observatory of Athens

MOBUSO (MEXT)

MOBUSO ● Education ● Science & Technology ● Culture ● Sports all go together !

MOBUSO Structure

National Budget

MOBUSO Budget

MOBUSO Councils 1. The Council for Science and Technology 2. The Central Council for Education carries out research and deliberations on important matters related to the promotion of education, lifelong learning, sports and other matters. 3. The Council for Cultural Affairs carries out research and deliberations concerning matters related to the promotion of culture and international cultural exchange. 4. Special Zones for Structural Reform are areas where the economy of Japan and regions of Japan will be activated by establishing special measures accordingly to regional characteristics and promoting structural reform on the initiative of each region.

The Council for Science and Technology The Council carries out research and deliberation on important matters relating to the promotion of science and technology, providing opinions to the Minister There are six subdivisions Subdivision on Research Planning and Evaluation, Subdivision on Resources Study, Subdivision on Technology, Subdivision on Ocean Development, Subdivision on Geodesy, Subdivision on Professional Engineers,

The Council for Science and Technology Two subordinate sections ●Technology and Research Foundations Section ● Bioethics and Biosafety Commission Two subordinate committees ● Committee on the Promotion of Internationalization ● Committee on Human Resources The Council is ensuring a harmonization of the socio-economy and science and technology as well as a comprehensive approach, and has been engaged in fervent discussions aimed at producing highly original and world-class research results.

Distribution of Institutes

Promotion of Science and Technology Nationwide: Improve the Japanese standard of living aiming to be an "advanced science-and technology-oriented nation“ Worldwide: Contribution to the solution of common human problems Endorsing the three desirable goals of ● promoting research of the highest worldwide standards, ●creation of new academia in the 21st century, ● contribution to society, MEXT is promoting diverse academic research in a wide spectrum of disciplines according to the following basic direction of promotion: √ respect for the autonomy of researchers; √ progress in all academic fields from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences; √ integrated promotion of education and research.

Promotion of Special Fields ● Coordination between Industry, Academia and Government and Advancement of Regional Science and Technology ● Research and Development in the √ Life Sciences Field √ Aerospace Field √ Nuclear Energy Field √ Creative, Cutting-Edge Basic Research and Increasing Competitive Funding √ Nanotechnology and Materials Science Field √ Field of Earthquakes and Disasters Reduction √ Environmental Science Field √ Ocean Science and Earth Science Field √ Information and Communications Field

Example of the Seismic Hazard Map of Japan Northern Japan (Released March 2003) Probability of experiencing tremors of 6 and above on the Japanese seismic intensity scale within the next 30 years

MOBUSO’s CoE Initiative ● Creation of Centers of Excellence under special competitive calls ● Emphasis is given to individual CoE’s, no preference to the establishment of Networks of CoE’s

International Cooperation in Science and Technology 1. Cooperation Based on International Frameworks 2. Promotion of International Research Exchange 3. Promotion of International Cooperation Projects 3.1 Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) 3.2 The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Project (Japanese contribution to CERN’s energy accelerator) 3.3 Other International Cooperation Projects e.g. International Space Station Program, International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) 4. International Educational Cooperation

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) An Independent Administrative Institution (IAI) in association with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Through the fusion of the research activities of a wide variety of research groups and the fostering of creativity, AIST generates new technologies and new industries and contributes to the economic development of the country

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)

AIST perform research and disseminate research results in the following areas: (a)Industrial infrastructure technology, including measurement standards, geological surveys, and the development of base technologies necessary for the maintenance of the techno- infrastructure of Japan. (b) Energy and environmental technology, which because of long lead times and high risk require the government to search for solutions. (c) Interdisciplinary and broad-spectrum research activities to promote innovation and reinforce the international competitive strength of Japanese industry and encourage the creation of new industries.

AIST main goals To Develop Intellectual Infrastructure To Establish Innovative Key Technologies To Meet Social Needs To Promote the Spread of Knowledge

Summary MOBUSO Promotion of Science and Education in a Coordinated way AIST Promotion of new technologies, new industries and contribution to the economic development of the country

Summary National Priorities advanced science-and technology-oriented nation for the improvement of the standard of living Worldwide Priorities Contribution to the solution of common human problems

Summary Very important tools Competition Evaluation Evolution