Future Prospects on the Research System Japanese Universities (<Special Reports>"Research Crisis at Japanese Universities")

Abstract

At first, Dr. Takeuchi (chairman) suggested that the discussions center around problems in universities and research in Japan, and their countermeasures. The discussion began with Dr. Arima pointing out three major problems: financial problems, problems in evaluation systems, and problems in personnel. Regarding financial problems, all participants were of the opinion that the budget of universities was too small. Researchers, it was recommended should appeal for needed research funding (Dr. Arima), and private funds should be introduced (Dr. Inose). As another financial problem, the inefficiency of allocation was pointed out. Some participants thought that one of the reasons for this inefficiency was the Japanese bureaucracy, but it was pointed out that the bureaucracy had merits as well as demerits (Dr. Inose). As another possible remedy, the necessity of an overhead cost system was emphasized (Dr. Nagakura). In relation to "big science", it was strongly urged that the budget of "big science #and that of ordinary science be divided. Regarding personnel problems, the following four points were emphasized: 1) supporting staffs, 2) supporting systems for younger researchers, 3) mobility of researchers, 4) insufficiency of time for researchers. On the first point, in addition to financial support, the organization of supporting staff should be promoted to raise their level in salary and ability (Dr. Arima). On the second point, using a reservation system for researchers was pointed out as a possible solution for this problem. On the third point, all participants had the same opinion that the mobility of researchers should be promoted. On the final point, it was felt that although this problem was due primarily to the insufficiency in financial support and supporting staff, researchers themselves, had a tendency to engage in miscellaneous affairs (Dr. Takeuchi). In the context in which these problems were discussed, various aspects of evaluation systems were at issue. In particular, it was emphasized that the roles and views of universities had to be discussed, and that universities and their outputs had to be evaluated by universities, themselves, and by society. Finally, it was concluded that Japan, as an economic power should promote culture and the arts as a national policy (Dr. Inose and Dr. Nagakura).