Introduction Issues and Perspectives of Science Policy
2 Training and Securing of Researchers
(1) Improvement and strengthening of graduate schools
Since graduate schools play an important role in the training
of researchers, as well as in the promotion of scientific research, the strengthening
of graduate schools both qualitatively and quantitatively is necessary. They
should be reorganized away from the traditional system which mainly entrusts
undergraduate faculties and organizations with important functions, into a more
efficient system which conforms to trends in scientific research. Also their
educational and research guidance should be improved.
Moreover, in order to begin the training of young researchers
as early as possible, it is necessary to make more effective use of the recently
established flexible entrance requirements to graduate schools and the lowered
number of required years for completing a course of study. It is equally important
to provide graduate students with favorable environments so that they can steadily
devote themselves to study and research. For this purpose, continued efforts
should be made to further strengthen the fellowship and scholarship programs
for them.