The 90th session of the Council for Science and Technology Policy (CSTP) was held at the Prime Minister's Office on April 27, 2010.

At this session, the CSTP discussed and decided to adopt the outline of the Program for Strategic Enhancement of World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology, which aims to accelerate and strengthen the Funding Program for World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology and to reinforce the research infrastructure for young researchers and female researchers.

In addition, the CSTP decided to adopt the reports on ”Consultation No. 12 Regarding the Proposed Revision to the Guidelines for Utilization of Human Embryonic Stem Cells” and on “Consultation No. 13 Regarding the Proposed Revision to the Guidelines for the Derivation and Distribution of Human Embryonic Stem Cells”.

The decision was reported to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Moreover, the CSTP discussed toward the formulation of the 4th Science and Technology Basic Plan. Lastly, it decided to adopt the Basic Policy for the Allocation of Resources, Including the Science and Technology Budget for Fiscal 2011. Its views on this matter will be presented to the Prime Minister and other relevant ministers. The science and technology budget will be formulated based on this decision.

Prime Minister Hatoyama commented, “Animated discussions were held toward the formulation of the 4th Science and Technology Basic Plan. Science and technology will act as the engine of our growth strategy. We must implement the New Growth Strategy by all means. It is quite appropriate that the Council is considering how to make use of science and technology as a source of vitality for Japan, and making efforts toward formulating the basic plan while positioning the creation of innovations as a key national strategy. I would like to reaffirm that pursuing Green Innovation and Life Innovation should be positioned as a key strategy. Today, the Council also decided to adopt the basic policy for the allocation of science and technology budget funds. It is monumental that the Council has decided to adopt this basic policy based on the creation of innovation before the individual ministries have presented their budget requests. Setting forth basic policy first, instead of explaining the budget allocation later as was usual in the past, and formulating the budget while individual ministries and agencies are holding discussions based on the policy: this is essential to ensuring that the people recognize the importance of science and technology as part of the national strategy. I believe that the time will come when the people will understand the significance of what has been decided at today’s session.”