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

3. Overview of JSPS and Its Program(1) Program Development and TransitionJSPS’s record to dateFrom its inception in 1932, JSPS has undergone a number of transitions and this evolutionaryprocess is still in progress. The latest step will be its conversion to an independent administrativeinstitution in 2003. During the course of this evolution, JSPS has continued to play a distinctive rolein promoting science, especially with regard to the standing and competitiveness of Japanese scienceon the world stage. Early in its establishment, JSPS was already involved in furthering cooperationbetween academia and industry, popularizing science among the public, and stimulating the developmentof young researchers. In the international domain as well, JSPS receives high marks fromits counterpart agencies worldwide for having built strong exchange relationships based on mutualtrust.Program expansion over recent yearsJSPS’s scope of responsibility will be expanded with its conversion to an independent administrativeinstitution in 2003. The use of competitive peer review to support research carried out on thebest ideas by the best researchers is clearly instrumental in advancing Science and Technology activitiesthroughout Japan. That this function is performed by JSPS attests to the importance of its mission.Relationship with the publicIt is important to deepen the public’s understanding of science. In its capacity, JSPS shoulddevelop linkages with the research community and work in tandem with them to foster a wideknowledge of science among the general public and to broaden their understanding of how scientificadvances impact their lives. Unless such knowledge and understanding can be fostered, public supportfor science promotion is apt to waver.(2) JSPS’s Organization and OperationOrganizational structure and decision-making systemJSPS has an extremely efficient organizational framework. Operating under the jurisdiction ofMEXT, JSPS’s size is the minimum required to carry out its programs. It’s organization is made upof executives with both research and administrative backgrounds, three program departments, and anAdvisory Council comprising experts in a wide spectrum of fields.Number of staffsJSPS currently has 78 employees. Given the increase in its workload over recent years and theimportance of its programs, JSPS needs to significantly augment the number of its staff. Though the25