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

process of peer-reviewed proposals. Therefore, it may be beneficial to consult JSPS when major newfacilities are being considered and planned.JSPS’s character as an academy and its relationship with academic societiesThough JSPS does not have any fellows, it does have other characteristics of an academy: It, forexample, supports scientific research using government funding and actively implements internationalexchanges. In this respect, JSPS has a number of characteristics that are similar to overseasacademies, which may offer a future model for JSPS. At present, however, there are already organizations,such as the Japan Academy and Science Council of Japan, which functions as academies. IfJSPS were to strengthen its characteristics as an academy, it would further complicate the division oflabor with these organizations. It is, therefore, difficult to think that the idea of JSPS becoming anacademy could be realized at this stage. Yet, it would be desirable for JSPS to create closer relationshipswith academic societies and to support their activities.JSPS’s conversion to an independent administrative institutionAs has already been stated repeatedly in this report, JSPS should by reflecting the opinions ofresearchers in its operation becomes an independent, autonomous organization. Scheduled to bemade an independent administrative institution in FY2003, JSPS can in line with that direction elevateits independence while strengthening its self-responsibility. As attested by the fact that JSPS’shead, who bears responsibility for the organization’s operation, will be appointed by the competentminister and its mid-term objectives will also be established by the minister, JSPS will not obtainfull autonomy through its conversion to an independent administrative institution. However, therewill be a significant increase in the discretionary authority of its head, an increase in the flexibilitywith which it executes its budget, and a greater facility to modify and abolish existing programs,among other transitions. These changes envisaged to accompany JSPS’s change in status are consideredto be desirable.As set forth in the independent administrative institution law (general law), as an independentadministrative institution, JSPS is obligated to draft a mid-term plan for achieving its administrativeand operational objectives for the first 3-5 years as set by MEXT. In composing this mid-term plan,JSPS is expected to fully reflect the policies deliberated by its board and other governing bodies.BoardThe deliberative bodies for science policy in Japan are the Council for Science and TechnologyPolicy established within the Cabinet Office and the Council for Science and Technology situatedwithin MEXT. The science committee of the latter deliberates academic matters. As these twocouncils deliberate the Science and Technology policy for all of Japan, JSPS must reflect their recommendationsand proposals in its programs. Since, as an independent administrative institution,JSPS will gain greater discretion over its budget execution and program implementation, it will needto establish an internal body as well to advise its head with regard to the organization’s proper oper-45