Ldp Begins Debate On Science Council
Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party has begun debate on how the Science Council of Japan, the country's top academic body, should be organized.
A working group of the LDP met on Wednesday to discuss Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide's refusal to appoint six new members to the council. The six candidates were among those recommended by the body for membership.
LDP policy chief Shimomura Hakubun stressed the need for objective, future-oriented discussions on how the Science Council should be organized from the public's perspective.
He said the party plans to set a policy by year-end and submit it to the government.
The head of the working group, Shionoya Ryu, said the Science Council was set up in order to have science reflected in administrative policies and people's lives, but it's doubtful whether the body is fulfilling that role.
He said he's looking forward to lively debate based on the idea of science for the purpose of government policies.
The group will discuss issues such as whether the council should be independent of the government, and whether its membership size of 210 is appropriate.
It is also expected to consider the use of research data from universities and other institutions in national security policies. The Science Council has been cautious on research into military technology for national security purposes.
