In step with the ongoing globalization and informatization of the world economy, significant flows of people, goods, services, and funds have come to cross international borders. Social systems, personnel training, research and development, and international activities to accommodate diverse circumstances are becoming increasingly important.

Amidst these global trends, the Council for Science and Technology Policy, Cabinet Office of the Japanese government adopted the Third Science and Technology Basic Plan in 2006. A core policy under this plan is to emphasize the importance of science and technology that are supported by the public and return their outcomes to it, while pursuing the goal of social benefit with a close focus on education and a globally competitive environment. The plan also points to the need to establish a strategic focus for science and technology in areas such as basic research, as well as the need for progress in the training and securement of qualified personnel, the development of innovations, and the strategic promotion of international activities as a systematic reform to facilitate the use of science and technology.

As the Third Science and Technology Basic Plan ends this 2010 fiscal year, the Fourth Science and Technology Basic Plan will be launched in fiscal 2011 as the basis for Japan’s science and technology policies. Discussions are currently underway in various fields to develop the Fourth Science and Technology Basic Plan, with more importance placed on the globalization of science and technology.

With a view to becoming a powerhouse in science and technology, Japan needs to attract competent human resources from around the world to promote globally influential research projects. To enable this to happen, Japan must create research centers to attract highly qualified human resources. Although various efforts have been made for this purpose under the Third Science and Technology Basic Plan, we believe that more detailed, effective measures will be necessary.

While it goes without saying that each university and each research institution should make individual efforts, it will be also essential to improve research environments, as well as develop and enhance the support system.

To meet the demands of the age of globalization, JISTEC was established on November 1, 1990 as an incorporated association dedicated to the advancement of science and technology and contribution to the international community through promoting domestic and international exchanges, providing support to research and researchers, and promoting research in the fields of science and technology.

Ever since its establishment, JISTEC has focused on implementing exchange programs and support programs for researchers and hosting international conferences, to ensure the implementation of the Basic Plan as originally intended or revised. Because of its track record, JISTEC is highly recognized as one of a few institutions in this field both at home and abroad. This year marks the 20th anniversary since we began these activities.

JISTEC is now active in a diverse range of programs and efforts in support of globalization activities in the fields of scientific and technological learning based on Japanese policy. They include hosting foreign researchers through fellowship systems, offering lifestyle support programs for such foreign researchers and their families, organizing and administrating international conferences and other global exchange programs between researchers in Japan and abroad, networking with foreign researchers who have returned to their own countries, and running programs to promote strengthened globalization at national, public and private universities active in creating models to advance globalization at the university and other levels.

We sincerely hope that you will examine the contents of the international exchange and globalization promotion programs of JISTEC, and look forward to your understanding of and support for JISTEC activities as a nonprofit organization.