about Science and Technology for Society

Outline

With science and technology permeating our lives and society with significant impact today, it is important that a new system able to solve the wide range of social problems that arise be established. This new system must be combined with the conventional technical knowledge of natural science and the knowledge of cultural/social science wherein the subjects are Nature and the behavior of individuals and groups.

The Research Institute of Science and Technology for Society (RISTEX) was established in FY2001 to construct a technology (technical ground/ knowledge system) for civilians, corporations, administration and other sectors to apply to their measures taken in solving social problems.

In response to the report by the 'Study Committee on How to Proceed R&D on Science and Technology for Society' in FY2000 in the then Science and Technology Agency, this Institute was managed jointly by the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Science and Technology Promotion Corporation since FY2001. It has been managed by the Science and Technology Promotion Corporation since FY2003.

Research system and research contents

RISTEX, under the initiative of the President, consists of three programs as shown in the diagram, 'RISTEX Forum', 'Mission-oriented Program', and 'Public Invitation Type Program.'

In the RISTEX Forum, recognizing the essence of social problems, ideal research concepts for problem solution is discussed continuously. Study/research is also conducted regarding the systematization of Science and Technology for Society and the ideal concept of research of Science and Technology for Society.

In the Mission-oriented Program, determining missions considered important for solving social problems, the research team required to achieve the mission is organized to carry out the research.

(Current Mission-oriented Program) - 'Establishment of Knowledge System to Solve Safety Related Social Problems'

In the Public Invitation Program, determining the research regions to be promoted based on the important aspects of problem solution, proposals for research tasks in each region are invited from the public for implementation.

(Current research regions) - 'Theory of Social system and Science and Technology for Society', 'Sustainable Society', and 'Brain Science and Education'

Management of RISTEX

Advised by the research advisers, the President manages all activities. The Mission-oriented Program is managed by the Director of MOPSS. Regarding the Public Invitation Type Program, upon establishment of research regions, each region is managed by its own director. Regarding the RISTEX Forum, the Director manages the Forum committees. Forum research tasks are managed by the Forum Director. The basic items and important items concerning the management of RISTEX are discussed and adjusted by the RISTEX Management Committee.