Presentation of Projects
Innovation and Institutionalization of Technology Assessment in Japan: Dealing with Nanotechnologies
Hideaki SHIROYAMA [Professor, Graduate School of Public Policy,
The University of Tokyo]
The purpose of technology assessment (TA) is to evaluate the positive and negative effects of a technology on society before it is introduced, and to support policy decision-making. In Japan, piecemeal evaluations have been conducted, but comprehensive TA that considers impacts on society from diverse viewpoints has not yet taken root. Therefore, we will first analyze the history of TA in Japan from the viewpoint of policy process theory. Next we will establish an approach to TA based on a structured problem concept that incorporates the perspectives of a diverse range of stakeholders. Finally, we will make recommendations for implementing the new approach in the social context.
Promotion of Dialogue for Policy Making：Case of the Long-term significant reduction in Green House Gases emissions
Masaharu YAGISHITA [Professor, Graduate Division of Global Environmental Studies, Sophia
University]
This R&D project will be undertaken with the participation of scientists, specialists and members of the public (stakeholders).
Stakeholders will proactively and autonomously decide which matters concerning the issue of substantial reductions in GHGs should be deeply discussed at this stage, taking into account the long-term scenario for substantial reductions in GHGs presented by the scientists and specialists. Following deep consideration and discussion of these matters, the results will be summarized and presented to the public. In this way, we will explore the possibility of forming a social consensus. As a venue and opportunity for social validation of this discussion, a Forum for the Creation of a Low Carbon Society will be held.
Based on analysis and evaluation of the results of this forum, the project will propose functions (venues and tools) that will enable ongoing dialog in Japan between science and society and within society towards substantial, long-term reductions in GHG, and will enable the formation of social consensus. We will then suggest approaches and issues concerning the social implementation of these functions.
Research project on the Deliberation and Cooperation between Citizens and Scientists(DeCoCiS)
Hideyuki HIRAKAWA [ Associate Professor, Osaka University Center for the Study of Communication-Design (CSCD) ]
We are establishing an interface organization at the university to support multi-stakeholder public communication concerning science and technology, and we aim to present a model that can be implemented by other universities. Specifically, we are developing approaches that enable deliberation and cooperation between specialists and citizens, and we aim to establish a library of relevant procedures, both new and old. At the same time, we are conducting research and development concerning administrative foundations for such organizations and we are building a comprehensive system for supporting public communication.
Construction of a pragmatic scientist community contributing to the stakeholder-driven management of the local environment
Tetsu SATO [Professor, Nagano University Faculty of Tourism and Environmental Studies ]
Among the approaches to solving environmental issues in local communities, scientists have been switching to a problem-solving model involving interactions between residential research institutions located in the communities, visiting researchers, and stakeholders. We are currently assessing this situation. We are forming networks for studying local environments that involve scientists and stakeholders; creating guidelines for cooperation between stakeholders and scientists; building evaluation techniques for scientific research with the participation of stakeholders; and creating communities of scientists whose mission it is to contribute to proactive problem solving through the local community.
Establishment of the social system for the healthy coastal sea environment (Creation of Sato-umi)
Tetsuo YANAGI [Professor, Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University ]
We will identify the impact of coastal development on society in the past and propose approaches to future “Sato-umi” projects that reflect the needs of local residents. In addition, we will classify the examples of Sato-umi projects being undertaken in each region and validate the results. At the same time, we will provide this information to all the parties concerned and make new proposals for approaches to TA (technology assessment) and SEA (strategic environmental assessment) for coastal development from the perspective of protecting and restoring the environment.
Development of a sustainable community management system introducing energy conversion technology for forest resources
Seigo NASU [Professor, Kochi University of Technology Research
Center for Social Management/Director School of Management]
Kochi Prefecture is dependent on energy resources that are increasing in cost while its forestry and agriculture are in decline. For regions like this, we aim to establish management systems for independent, sustainable rural communities through environmental management, viable agriculture and forestry, and energy independence. By presenting practical methodologies for management functions that integrate a variety of fields, we seek to promote integrative science that puts technology to the use of society.
Development of Medical care based on convinced validities from multiple
viewpoints - Clinical assessment through integrated application of
ubiquitous vision and conversation analysis in a field of tertiary acute
care-
Tetsuo YUKIOKA [Professor and Chairman, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tokyo Medical University]
Many patients who require emergency medical care are unconscious and due to time constraints, informed consent has come to be regarded as the exception in normal circumstances. Therefore we aim to achieve a collaborative healthcare that satisfies the parties concerned based on sharing of medical information. This is of particular importance in emergency medical care. This project aims to present a new basic model for informed consent in an emergency setting through public engagement using a combination of information technologies and communication analysis.
Nagahama Rules for Regional Open Genome Epidemiology Studies
Keiko AKASHI [Section sub-leader, Nagahama City Health and Welfare Division Health
Promotion Section]
The Nagahama *Zeroji Cohort Project for Community Based Prevention is a main element of the genomic epidemiology study proposed by Kyoto University, and we the local government created the “Nagahama Rules” for the protection of personal information and for handling ethical issues.
In creating the rules, we proposed standards for rules to ensure the epidemiology study to be open to Nagahama community with a focus on three points; protecting the personal information of study participants (Nagahama residents), use of the epidemiology study in regional development, and establishment of the management system (including legislation) for a biobank specific to Nagahama.
*Zeroji prevention:
Modifying daily habits effectively to avoid illnesses to which you may be susceptible, based on analysis of the genes inherited from your parents and other approaches.