Japan Universities Oppose Call for Science Budget Cuts

Tokyo, Nov. 24 (Jiji Press)--The presidents of nine prestigious
Japanese universities voiced their opposition Tuesday to a government
panel's call for sharp cuts in science and technology budgets.



Public investment in universities in Japan ranks low among the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, and further
cuts will lead to the collapse of Japan as a world leader in science and
technology, the university presidents said in a joint statement announced at
a press conference in Tokyo.
Their move came after the Government Revitalization Unit earlier
this month called for slashing science and technology budgets for fiscal
2010, which starts next April, through its "shiwake" screening process for
budget requests from government ministries and agencies.
The presidents represent seven national universities, including the
University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, and two private universities Keio
University and Waseda University.
It is unusual for the heads of top schools to hold a joint press
conference.
University of Tokyo President Junichi Hamada said the universities
have competed on an international level and made efforts to pass on the
benefits to society. He said he cannot overlook the proposal to cut budgets.
Keio University President Atsushi Seike said Japan must contribute
not only to its own development but also to the world at a time when there
are concerns about the sustainability of modern society due to issues such
as climate change. He added that long-term basic research is very important