President Statement by 34 Learned Societies in Japan

Japan will not stop progressing scientifically
April 27, 2011
Proposal 1:
1: Execute support for the sake of furthering research without halt for
the future ambitions of students and aspiring researchers.
Proposal 2:
2: Execute solid, rapid recovery of damaged university, research, andlargelarge-scale scientific research institutions as well as provide reliable support ofthe education system.
Proposal 3:
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
members or who continue to suffer from the aftermath
we offer our deepest sympathy. We also offer our deepest sympathy to those whohave suffered loss resulting from the natural disaster as well as from the accident
at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
plant. We in the world of science andtechnology also feel pain due to this catastrophe of historic proportions and thecontinuing problems at the Fukushima power station, Nevertheless, at the same
determinedd to provide ourtime we 34 learned societies (440,000 members) are determine
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 ofJapan, with highhigh-level research and human resources being the supporting baseof our country. In order to conquer the disruption caused by the catastrophe and tobuild a cultured rich society, science and technology are indispensible. We are ofthe position of executing rapid
rapid recovery of universities and research facilities andreliable support of educational research systems and to continue the advance ofscience and technology.
In particular, students, postpost-docs, and junior researchers who compound
their efforts day by day
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 thethe future are indispensible for rebuilding Japanand a sustainable society. In light of the present circumstances, we declare ourcommitment to support through the network of universities and research facilities
throughout the country students, postpost-docs, junior
junior researchers, and related
associations without pause for the sake of future ambitions. Although we havealready 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 andand sometimes misunderstandingof the actual situation creating a lack of confidence. It is important to coordinate
and communicate in order to insure the availability of accurate information andto restore trust.
Proposal 1: Over the next 1~2 years execute support for the sake of furtheringresearch without halt for the future ambitions of students and aspiring
researchers.
researchers.
Currently, universities and research institutes are unable to use many
precious
ous time andequipment and instruments, and many young people have had preci
effort of study and research stolen from them. Furthermore, the psychologicaldamage 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 assistanceto support their future goals together with our government to the greatest
possible extent.
Proposal 2: Execute solid, rapid recovery of damaged university, research, andlargelarge-scale scientific research institutions as well as provide reliable support ofthe education system.
In addition to structural damage at affected universities and research
institutes, equipment, facilities, precious research materials and reagents havebeen 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 HighHigh-intensity Proton Accelerator(Tokaimura), the High Energy Accelerator
Accelerator (Tsukuba) and the Photon Factory
have served many students and aspiring scientists. Many of these facilities havehigh power demands, however in the hopes of a rapid recovery, will in concert
with our government commit to fulfill their responsibility
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,
earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident in Eastern Japan we
received many warm messages of sympathy and support from other academicsocieties. On the other hand, as with all disasters a flood of information has led toconfusion and at times incorrect interpretation of the situation. This can have an
influence onon 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 andmeaningful information concerning the Fukushima
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
Council of Japan and therelated associations.
associations. We have thought about the three above measures we cantake 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
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.
http://www.csj.jp/news/34seimeihttp://www.csj.jp/news/34seimei-201104.html (Japanese(Japanese version)