Message from JISNAS
Message from the Chair of the Steering Committee
Japan Intellectual Support Network in Agricultural Sciences (JISNAS) was founded on November 30, 2009, as a cooperation network among Japan-based universities, international agricultural research institutions and international cooperation agencies, whose focuses are agricultural sciences and international agricultural cooperation.
On the one hand, it is pointed out that universities and research organizations should form a network to circulate information, exchange faculty, and promote collaborative research. At the same time, however, due to the transformation of national universities into independent administrative agencies, competition within and among academic fields is intensifying. Under such circumstances, although both individual researchers and universities must demonstrate successful results, the status quo is that it is getting harder to cooperate and collaborate among universities. However, with such a competitive world in mind, it is necessary to accomplish these achievements through collaboration, not as individual efforts.
Especially in the area of international cooperation, individual cooperative projects by Japanese researchers are usually carried out independently. However, from the point of view of foreign partners, we are all considered as official visitors or delegations from Japan. While it is important to demonstrate that individual cooperation projects are being implemented, the current challenge is to show a more integrated approach to this international agricultural cooperation.
As above, it is necessary for us to share information domestically and in more effective ways. And at the same time, it is also necessary to form various types of cooperative mechanisms.
With foundation of JISNAS, I have high expectations that cooperation in agricultural research and education will become more substantial, concrete and visible. Furthermore, I have in mind the importance of setting up an effective and efficient operational mechanism through which all group members will feel the benefits of membership in JISNAS. Thank you very much for your active support, understanding, and participation in JISNAS.
Koji TANAKA
Chair of the Steering Committee, JISNAS
