The 57th session of the Council for Science and Technology Policy was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence on July 26, 2006.
During the meeting, discussions took place on institutional reforms for the advancement of science and technology. It was determined that Japan will promote six institutional
reforms in order to conduct programs of research at the highest international level. The issues taken up at this session will be examined in greater depth in the future, and the remaining agenda items will also be studied. The Council for Science and Technology Policy was slated to reach its decisions within the year.
Discussion also turned to the prevention of improper use of public research funds, and related matters. It was decided that common guidelines to be engaged by the ministries, agencies, and organizations concerned should be determined during the next month.?A demonstration of biodiesel fuel was held. Prime Minister Koizumi remarked that, "Biomass is crucial for this age of sharply rising oil prices, and it is also good for the environment. We have to work toward a strategy for eliminating the dependence on oil."
In concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi summarized the discussion as follows: "The advancement of science and technology is important. That goes without saying. The problems that were discussed today have been sorted out in various ways and addressed by the Koizumi Cabinet to date. In the times ahead, Japan as a nation must continue to assign science and technology the highest priority and continue working on these issues."