April 27, 2011
Proposal 1: | Execute support for the sake of furthering research without halt for the future ambitions of students and aspiring researchers. |
Proposal 2: | Execute solid, rapid recovery of damaged university, research, and large-scale scientific research institutions as well as provide reliable support of the education system.
|
Proposal 3: | Cooperate with International Societies to insure accurate information concerning the Fukushima nuclear accident and to restore confidence.
|
To the many people who were lost to the great earthquake and Giant Tsunami of March 11th, 2011 in northeast Japan we offer our condolence, and to those who have lost family members or who continue to suffer from the aftermath we offer our deepest sympathy. We also offer our deepest sympathy to those who have suffered loss resulting from the natural disaster as well as from the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. We in the world of science and technology also feel pain due to this catastrophe of historic proportions and the continuing problems at the Fukushima power station, Nevertheless, at the same time we 34 learned societies (440,000 members) are determined to provide our combined strength and knowledge to the recovery and renewal of Japan.
Beginning with Eastern Japan, universities as well as research facilities have received extensive damage. Science and technology are the backbone of Japan, with high-level research and human resources being the supporting base of our country. In order to conquer the disruption caused by the catastrophe and to build a cultured rich society, science and technology are indispensible. We are of the position of executing rapid recovery of universities and research facilities and reliable support of educational research systems and to continue the advance of science and technology.
In particular, students, post-docs, and junior researchers who compound their efforts day by day to build a future cannot be allowed to lose not only their way of life but also their academic pursuits, research facilities, and even their future ambitions. We 34 societies presidents believe that those first rate young people representing Japan in the future are indispensible for rebuilding Japan and a sustainable society. In light of the present circumstances, we declare our commitment to support through the network of universities and research facilities throughout the country students, post-docs, junior researchers, and related associations without pause for the sake of future ambitions. Although we have already begun, it is important to continue this support and as quickly possible strengthen, in cooperation with the public, these institutions and within one or two years return these facilities to a normal state.
In addition to direct consequences of the massive earthquake, devastating tsunami, and serious reactor accident, the sudden flood of often contradictory information has led to confusion and sometimes misunderstanding of the actual situation creating a lack of confidence. It is important to coordinate and communicate in order to insure the availability of accurate information and to restore trust.
Proposal 1: Over the next 1~2 years execute support for the sake of furthering research without halt for the future ambitions of students and aspiring researchers.
Currently, universities and research institutes are unable to use many equipment and instruments, and many young people have had precious time and effort of study and research stolen from them. Furthermore, the psychological damage and loss of motivation has been great. Additionally, there is a shroud of economic uncertainty with respect to everyday life. We will plan the rapid recovery of education and research facilities while at the same time making efforts to ease the anxiety of students and young scientists. We will also during the first stage of recovery provide concrete support, including economic assistance to support their future goals together with our government to the greatest possible extent.
Proposal 2: Execute solid, rapid recovery of damaged university, research, and large-scale scientific research institutions as well as provide reliable support of the education system.
In addition to structural damage at affected universities and research institutes, equipment, facilities, precious research materials and reagents have been damaged. These materials cannot be simply returned to their previous condition before the disaster, and flexible, efficient support within budget considerations is desirable.
Many of our research facilities housing large instrumentation have been severely damaged. Facilities such as the High-intensity Proton Accelerator (Tokaimura), the High Energy Accelerator (Tsukuba) and the Photon Factory have served many students and aspiring scientists. Many of these facilities have high power demands, however in the hopes of a rapid recovery, will in concert with our government commit to fulfill their responsibility to continue in world leadership.
Proposal 3: Cooperate with International Societies to insure accurate information concerning the Fukushima nuclear accident and to restore confidence.
After the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident in Eastern Japan we received many warm messages of sympathy and support from other academic societies. On the other hand, as with all disasters a flood of information has led to confusion and at times incorrect interpretation of the situation. This can have an influence on research, education, and industry as well as the general public. We in Japan will to the best of our ability cooperate with and provide clear communication to other academic societies, to insure that accurate and meaningful information concerning the Fukushima nuclear accident is available, and to maximize our contribution as a world leader in science and technology.
We leaders of these 34 learned societies will not fail in our efforts to fulfill the above three proposals in a cooperation with Science Council of Japan and the related associations. We have thought about the three above measures we can take now after the catastrophe to contribute socially. Proposals 1 and 2 are aimed at aspiring young scientists while 3 we would like to share with the entire nation. With the support and understanding of the public we 34 societies promise to build a future of hope for the next generation of Japan.
( Japanese version)