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

External Review Report1. JSPS's Basic Stance on Science PromotionNature of Basic ResearchIt is the nature of scientific research, particularly basic research, that advances are difficult topredict. Neither is it possible to measure quantitatively the value of research initiatives by suchmeans as counting the number of papers or citations. Constant effort, therefore, is needed to identifyand germinate research seeds of potential value. As basic research is not directly connected tocommercial profits, private corporations rarely invest capital in it. The government, therefore, hasthe primary responsibility to bear in promoting it. In this context, JSPS has a critical responsibilityas a major provider of basic research funding.Freedom versus responsibility in researchSo as to generate significant results from highly creative ideas, researchers need to be allowedthe maximum degree of freedom possible. However, along with such freedom must come concomitantresponsibility and accountability. JSPS should work to promote science while pursuing adherenceto these parallel principles.Decentralization of authorityGenerally speaking, decisions regarding research are most appropriately made as close to theplace where the work is being conducted as possible. It is, therefore, desirable for JSPS to as muchas possible leave decisions on research implementation to the researchers involved. Concomitantly,it will be incumbent on the researchers to accept a larger burden of responsibility.Competition and evaluationCompetition is vital to sustaining a creative research environment. Such an environment is neededto both attract and nurture excellent researchers and to motivate universities to continually maintainhigh research standards. In promoting such competition, its value must be evaluated and it isonly researchers who are capable of doing so.Uniqueness of Japanese researchHistorically, Japan has developed its scientific research in unique way. In promoting science,Japan should not copy the models of other advanced nations, but should work to create a researchenvironment rooted in its own cultural strengths. Japan has a powerful capacity for conducting collectiveresearch and has shown itself to be highly adept at interdisciplinary endeavors. Though it isa fact that a hierarchical structure does exist within Japan’s research community, there is ampleroom to cultivate individual creativity.23