■ Theme: What Can We Do to Enhance Science? ■Moderator: David H. Kornhauser, Director of Global Communications at Kyoto University ■Panelists: Holden Thorp, Editor-in-Chief of the Science Family of Journals; Mitinori Saitou, Director, Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University; and Tetsuya Mizumoto, Executive Director, The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
From the left: David H. Kornhauser/Moderator, Holden Thorp, Mitinori Saitou and Tetsuya Mizumoto
David H. Kornhauser, Director of Global Communications at Kyoto University, moderated a panel discussion titled “What Can We Do to Enhance Science?” Joining the panel were Holden Thorp, Editor-in-Chief of the Science Family of Journals; Mitinori Saitou, Director of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi) at Kyoto University; and Tetsuya Mizumoto, Executive Director of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
SJM2025: Panel Discussion
The discussion centered on the disruptions facing traditional scientific practices, with a particular focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI). Holden Thorp highlighted AI’s potential to disrupt education and research positively and negatively. He noted that many significant advancements in AI and quantum computing are currently driven by industry rather than academia, largely due to the resources and the speed at which industry operates. Thorp shared an example of how open-source models in academia can push industry giants like Google to be more transparent, as seen with the AlphaFold project.
Mitinori Saitou discussed AI’s utility in his laboratory, particularly in aiding students and postdocs with computational analysis and data processing. However, he expressed concerns about AI’s limitations, such as its impersonal writing style and lack of critical, original insights in its summaries. Saitou emphasized the importance of proper education and training to make the most of AI tools.
Tetsuya Mizumoto shared a humorous anecdote about AI’s early limitations and highlighted JSPS’s strict policies against using AI in application reviews to prevent data theft. He underscored the need for the careful handling of unpublished research when working with AI to maintain confidentiality and integrity.
The panel also addressed the humanities and social sciences and how their future compares with the natural sciences. Mizumoto and Thorp both emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need for coordinators to bridge the gap between different scientific domains. Thorp pointed out that many challenges in science stem from a lack of understanding of the humanities and social sciences, which are crucial for comprehending the broader impact of scientific advancements.
Overall, the panelists agreed on the need for a more flexible and dynamic approach to scientific education and research environments. Thorp advocated for treating students with compassion and supporting diverse career paths to attract and retain more scientists. The discussion underscored the importance of open-mindedness, collaboration, and adaptability in enhancing the future of science.
■ 議題：What Can We Do to Enhance Science?（科学を発展させるためにできること） モデレーター：David H Kornhauser（今羽右左デイヴィッド甫 氏）京都大学 国際広報室 室長 パネリスト：Holden Thorp（ホールデン・ソープ）、水本哲弥氏、斎藤通紀氏
京都大学 Director of Global Communications の今羽右左デイヴィッド甫氏が、「What Can We Do to Enhance Science?（科学を発展させるためにできること）」と題したパネルディスカッションのモデレーターを務めた。パネリストとして参加したのは、Science誌編集長であるホールデン・ソープ、京都大学高等研究院ヒト生物学高等研究拠点（WPI-ASHBi）拠点長の斎藤通紀氏、独立行政法人日本学術振興会（JSPS）理事の水本哲弥氏であった。議論は、従来の科学的手法が直面する変革について、特に人工知能（AI）の役割に焦点を当てて行われた。
■ Speech: Title: Ever-Present Challenges of the Research World Speaker: Mitinori Saitou Director, Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University
Mitinori Saitou, Director of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi) at Kyoto University, addressed the ongoing challenges in the research world during his speech. He began by acknowledging concerns about the perceived decline in Japanese science and offered his personal insights as a life scientist trained at Kyoto University. Saitou reflected on the university’s rich history of scientific excellence, highlighting influential figures such as Professor Osamu Hayaishi, known for his groundbreaking work on oxygenase enzymes, and his notable students, including Nobel laureate Tasuku Honjo.
SJM 2025 at Kyoto University Clock Tower Centennial Hall
Saitou emphasized the importance of originality in scientific research, a principle instilled in him by his mentor, Professor Shoichiro Tsukita. Tsukita believed that structure underpins function and that foundational knowledge is key to innovation. Saitou shared his fascination with germ cells, which transmit genetic and epigenetic information of the organisms across generations. His research has focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying germ cell development and has used mouse models to demonstrate the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to differentiate into germ cells and then into healthy offspring.
Mitinori Saitou at SJM2025
He described the importance of originality, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical considerations in advancing the field of human biology. He also highlighted the role of WPI-ASHBi in fostering international and interdisciplinary research, with a focus on understanding the key biological traits that define humanity and addressing ethical issues in human biology research.
From the lecture slides: Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi) KUIAS, Kyoto University
Saitou further discussed advancements in human in vitro gametogenesis, highlighting potential applications in reproductive biology and infertility treatment. He acknowledged the ethical considerations surrounding the use of in vitro germ cells for reproduction and emphasized the importance of ensuring their safety and quality through rigorous scientific assessment. Saitou advocated for interdisciplinary dialogue between scientists and philosophers to develop a framework that assigns positive values to offspring generated from in vitro cells should society deem their use acceptable.
Lastly, Saitou highlighted the achievements of Japanese scientists and noted the groundbreaking research coming from the country despite reduced funding. He called for increased investment in early-stage research to maintain Japan’s scientific competitiveness and stressed the need to balance support for interdisciplinary collaboration with preserving the strengths of Japanese science, such as diligence and innovation.
To conclude, Saitou underscored the need to raise salaries for young faculty members and improve administrative support for international collaborations. He expressed optimism about the future of science and encouraged scientists to maintain high spirits in their scientific pursuits.
■ Speech: Title: Research Funding in a Changing Environment Speaker: Tetsuya Mizumoto, Executive Director, The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Tetsuya Mizumoto, Executive Director of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), delivered a speech on the evolving landscape of research funding. He began by introducing himself and his background in electrical and electronic engineering, highlighting his long-standing involvement in integrated photonics. Mizumoto then outlined the activities of JSPS, emphasizing its role in supporting curiosity-driven research across all scientific fields, including the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Tetsuya Mizumoto at SJM2025
Mizumoto explained that JSPS was established in 1932 and is unique among Japanese funding agencies for its commitment to research autonomy and diversity. It operates under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and employs a bottom-up approach, inviting open applications evaluated through peer review. This ensures fairness and transparency in the selection process and decisions based on academic merit. A key focus of Mizumoto’s presentation was the flagship program, Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI). This program supports a wide range of research categories, covering both basic and applied sciences. KAKENHI accounts for nearly one-third of Japan’s competitive research funding, with a budget of approximately 240 billion yen for fiscal year 2024. Mizumoto highlighted recent reforms aimed at improving the evaluation system, research categories, and use of research funds.
From the lecture slides: Framework for Funding Research
Mizumoto also addressed the importance of fostering the next generation of researchers. JSPS offers fellowship programs for young scientists, providing financial support and international training opportunities. These initiatives aim to cultivate future research leaders and enhance Japan’s presence in the global scientific community.
In addition to supporting individual researchers, JSPS promotes international collaboration. Mizumoto emphasized the significance of showcasing Japanese research on the world stage and strengthening international networks. He mentioned programs like the Frontiers of Science Symposium and HOPE Meetings, which facilitate interdisciplinary discussions and networking among young researchers and Nobel laureates and other distinguished scientists. Mizumoto concluded by discussing JSPS’s efforts to engage with society and raise public interest in science. The Nobel Prize Dialogue, co-organized with Nobel Prize Outreach, aims to elevate public understanding of science and technology. JSPS also runs programs for school students, such as the HIRAMEKI☆TOKIMEKI SCIENCE and Science Dialogue, to inspire interest in scientific research.
In response to a question about the importance of international research networking, Mizumoto emphasized the role of JSPS in enhancing Japanese research activities and integrating them into the global community. He reiterated JSPS’s commitment to supporting curiosity-driven research and fostering collaboration between academia and industry to advance science in Japan.
