Projects for promoting public understanding of science and technology

Projects for promoting public understanding of science and technology

Nowadays, science and technology are deeply related with everyday human lives, industries, societies. We consider it is very important for the general public, particularly young people, to take more interest in science and technology and to deepen understanding on the role and significance of science and technology in order that we realize a still wealthier, safer and more stable society for the time forward.

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), independent administrative institution, conducts various activities from the following viewpoints in order to promote public, particularly young people's interest in science and technology and their understanding of science and technology:

  • to support studying on science and technology
  • to promote activities for public understanding of science and technology at the region
  • to disseminate science and technology information nationwide
  • to run the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (called Nihon Kagaku Miraikan)

JST runs the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, as a center of information on the state-of-the-art science and technology in Japan, At the Museum, public, particularly young people can come in direct touch with, and experience the latest development in science and technology, through the latest images and hands-on exhibits.

Support for study of science & technology

Support for study of science & technology

It is increasingly important to arouse the interest of the young generation in science and technology. The JST provides to this effect all the means and facilities for a substantial study, in order to stimulate the spirit of inquiry and the scientific curiosity.
The JST works with schools, committees for education, universities, science learning centers, etc… under a Science Partnership Project, including the organization of special science classes in elementary schools, advanced classes in "super-science" high schools designated by the ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and promoting the expansion of the understanding of science and technology in the schools educational spots.
The JST supports the science contests, and makes science more accessible by providing useful information and data through multimedia and internet. Moreover, the new Center for Promotion of Science Education has been established in 2007, in order to plan out practical ways of science education promotion.

Promoting communication on science and technology

Promoting communication on science and technology

The science education promotion is not only aimed at the young generation, there is also an effort into arousing the interest of the general public. Regional activities such as supporting regional service centers, mentors, and cooperation with schools, universities and research institutes are carried out. Information is provided to educators through the website "Science Window", and to junior high students through the community website "Kagaku Navi". Moreover, in order to arouse the interest of a wider audience, efforts are conducted into extending the exposure of science education on television, internet, and other easy to reach multimedia and audio-visual media. To this effect the program "Science Channel" has been created to provide information on science and technology, and the "JST Virtual Science Center" to make scientific experiments easy to understand and practice.

National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)

Miraikan

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) promotes science through interactive exhibits and interpersonal contact with scientists, engineers, interpreters (museum attendants and volunteers, Furthermore, the Museum, as a center of information on the latest science and technology is expanding its networks inside and outside Japan through a variety of activities all designed to show that science is an integral part of culture.

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