"JSPS External Review Report" was issued.(PDF File 1.22MB)

propelling forward research which scientists at Japanese universities, etc.,have designed themselves, including exploratory research with the potentialto open doors to the future, research based on outstanding ideas producedby young researchers, and research at the forefront of internationalcompetition. A bottom-up system designed to consolidate Japan’s researchfoundations, it is recognized as Japan’s leading research grant schemes.Every year, around 21,000 grants are given for new research projectsplanned by researchers themselves, not only ensuring diverse scientificresearch but also contributing to the development of new, next-generationdisciplines.JSPS and the Grants- in- Aid systemThe Science and Technology Basic Law, formulated in 1995, led to thecreation of the first Science and Technology Basic Plan, which directed thatcompetitive research funds be expanded as one of the government’s scienceand technology policies. Given the importance of the Grants-in-Aid systemin providing competitive research funds for the promotion of basic research,the budget was significantly bolstered to 117.9 billion yen in FY1998, whilemore requests from researchers from universities, etc., for Grants-in-Aidsaw the number of submitted research proposals rapid increase to around100,000 by the same year.Trends in budget and application figures (FY1988-98)Budget: 48.9 billion yen à 117.9 billion yenNo. of applications: 59,000 à 103,000In 1997, the Prime Minister laid out the National Guideline on the Methodof Evaluation for Research and Development, while researchers atuniversities, etc., were always calling for more detailed screening, earliergrant distribution timed to coincide with the beginning of the fiscal year,and better service. To continue responding to these demands, dramaticimprovements were needed in the screening and evaluation procedures usedfor the Grants-in-Aid system.To contribute to the advance of science, which was one of the aims of itsestablishment, the JSPS engages in research concerning scientific132