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Prof. Yasuhiro Iwasawa
Electronic Communication University
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Upon assuming the position of President of the CSJ, I would like to state my thoughts on the mission of chemistry and the chemical community, and what chemistry and the chemical community should aim for. We have now entered into the era of global mega-extinction/depletion due to problems concerning life, infectious diseases, the environment and energy, resources, etc. With this background, there are many challenges which science and technology need to tackle and there are high expectations for science and technology to contribute to the sustainable development of human society. In particular, Japan, which has scarce resources including energy and resources and a limited number of species, needs strong policies on |
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science and technology including measures for human resource acquisition, in the era of international mega-competition. Investments in science and technology, education and the development of young human resources are extremely important national core strategic policies which will determine the future fate of Japan. In this regard, the CSJ was deeply concerned about how the deliberation for "the scrutinizing of public projects" was conducted by the Government Revitalization Unit and its results. Therefore, we called for action by 20 major academic societies (whose memberships total about 330,000 Japanese researchers involved in science and technology) and jointly submitted a written request as well as releasing a statement which asked government officials and policy makers not to create a serious problem for the future, as you know. As one of the worldfs leading chemical societies, the CSJ will continue to strengthen the type of science and technology which will lead the world and strengthen the development and education of young human resources, as well as sharing responsibility and playing our part in the efforts for establishing a sustainable and cultural society in Japan, to the maximum extent possible.
Japan currently faces many serious national problems which are difficult to solve, including problems concerning the establishment of a sustainable society, health and safety, the environment and energy, alternatives to non-renewable resources, information communication systems, industry, economy and labor and employment policies, securing human resources, expansion of habitable spaces, etc. Solving these problems requires diverse and advanced studies from various angles. It is thanks to its world leading science and technology that Japan has increased its presence among developed countries and has been able to contribute to the world despite its lack of resources and energy. Chemistry can provide solutions to many of the above-mentioned urgent national problems.
The government decided on the priority items for the allocation of budget on December 15, 2009, which included "childcare and countermeasures to a declining birthrate," "employment," "the environment" as well as "science and technology." This was followed by a decision on the "New Growth Strategy (Basic Policies)" by the Cabinet on December 30. Basic policies for strategic sectors and the target outcome stated in the strategy include: "the growing sectors in which Japanfs strengths can be utilized" (the environment and energy, health); "platforms to support growth" (science and technology, employment and human resources); etc. The strategy to develop the nation based on science and technology includes: strengthening the potential for growth based on scientific and technological capabilities; the development of a research environment and the conditions for creating innovation; and strengthening the systems to implement science and technology policies. In addition, the strategy for employment and human resources includes the development of a large number of human resources through high quality education. We have high expectations of these policies and measures which aim to bring about a bright future for Japan by developing the nation based on science and technology. In this regard, we would like to put forward policy recommendations in cooperation with the Science Council of Japan.
Based on our position as a public interest corporation, the CSJ will develop science and technology strategies and management strategies, and will commit ourselves to serve chemists, technicians and society to the maximum extent possible. I would like to conclude my statement by asking for your kind support and cooperation in our endeavor.
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