Kato Elected Science Council Head on Shift to Public Corporation
Tokyo, Oct. 1 (Jiji Press)--The Science Council of Japan elected Kazuto Kato, professor emeritus at the University of Osaka, as its new president at its general meeting in Tokyo on Thursday, when the council transitioned from a state organization to a special public corporation. "I feel a sense of responsibility," Kato said at the meeting, adding that there are many challenges ahead. "Let's...
On October 1, the Science Council of Japan held its general meeting in Tokyo to elect a new president and mark its transition from a state organization to a special public corporation. Kazuto Kato, a professor emeritus at the University of Osaka, was chosen for the role. Kato expressed a sense of responsibility for the position and highlighted the many challenges that lie ahead. He emphasized the importance of engaging with society, deliberating thoroughly with the public, engaging in dialogue, and taking action.
The government initiated the change in June of the previous year, enacting a new law to transform the council, which represents Japan's scientific community. This transformation followed a debate sparked by then Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's decision in 2020 to reject the appointments of six council member nominees. Despite this, the law maintains the council's right to make recommendations to the government on science and technology policies.
The new legislation also establishes an evaluation committee and auditors, to be appointed by the prime minister, to monitor the council's activities and finances.
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