The 82nd session of the Council for Science and Technology Policy (CSTP) was held at the Prime Minister's Office on June 19, 2009.

The Council decided to adopt, without any modification, the draft versions of the follow-up of the Third Science and Technology Basic Plan, which is in its fourth year, and the resource allocation policy for the FY2010 science and technology-related budget. These decisions will be presented to the ministers concerned.The Council also decided to establish an Expert Panel on Basic Policy, which will help formulate the Fourth Science and Technology Basic Plan.

Next, the Council approved, in their original forms, the draft versions of the basic principles for implementing the Funding Program for World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology, which places top priority on researchers by providing multiple-year, user-friendly research funds, and the holding of support meetings for World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology.

In closing, Prime Minister Taro Aso commented as follows: “Funding Program for World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology is an all-new system that places top priority on researchers.To continue to be a world leader in the field of science and technology, we should aim for the top in the world and, for this purpose, we need to support world-leading Innovative research and development and aim to be No. 1 in the world. Since efforts need to be made across various ministries and agencies, free of any constraints of the past. I will make the final decision on grantees. It is extremely important that Japan grows as a science and technology-oriented nation and shows that science and technology creates bright future. Regarding the FY2010 science and technology-related budget and the next basic plan, there are many issues that need to be addressed in line with the changing times, such as creating a low-carbon society and a healthy, aging society, so I would like to ask you all to thoroughly study the high-priority policy issues.”