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

possible does not restrict their usage but allows researchers free discretion as to how funds will beapplied.That there has over recent years been an easing of restriction on how grants-in-aid are used isevaluated positively.In meeting the various challenges facing present-day society, research should be encouraged thatcrosscuts the domains of natural sciences and of the humanities and social sciences. Considerableexpectation is placed on JSPS to provide such support.The Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research Program constitutes the core of support for scientificresearch in Japan. Operational improvements have been realized by transferring a portion of thisprogram to JSPS.Part of the Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research Program that was being carried out by JSPS hasreverted back to MEXT. This move is not considered to be appropriate. Various problems are alsoincurred by dividing responsibility for selection and distribution between MEXT and JSPS in someprogram categories.Improvements have been made in screening categories divided by “topics” under the Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research Program; however, further innovations are needs to ensure that creativeresearch proposals in new areas of research are properly accommodated.It is deemed appropriate that a grant category exists under the Grants-in-Aid for ScientificResearch Program to support the publication and dissemination of research results.Effort is being made to improve the selection procedure under the Grants-in-Aid for ScientificResearch Program. In the future, it will be necessary to improve the administrative system in theselection procedure including participation of staffs with research experience.It is desirable to have multiple application periods during a year for the Grants-in-Aid forScientific Research Program. At first, consideration should be given to introducing multiple applicationperiods on a phased in or ad hoc basis.Distributing grants to pre-college teachers under the "Encouragement of Young Scientists" categoryof the Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research Program is considered to be a meaningful way ofenhancing elementary and secondary school students' education.Through its university-industry cooperation program, JSPS is acting as an interface between thetwo sectors.Research for the Future is considered to be a valuable program. If it is not possible to implementit under the capital investment, then it would be desirable to continue the program under a differentfunding mechanism.5. Fostering ResearchersThe key to advancing scientific research is fostering gifted researchers.The fostering of young researchers capable of working independently will require increasedmobility.19