About us

About JST > Content of Activities

Creating Advanced Technology

In the research dedicated to new technology generation, JST promotes research and analysis that contributes to the design of the Japanese S&T policy and targeted basic research to achieve the strategic sectors based on the national S&T policy and social and economic needs. Human iPS cells (induced pluripotent stem cells), which have been much discussed in mass media, are one of the fruits of this targeted basic research.

- Points of Activity -
  • Development of core projects for S&T advancement

    We develop projects based on the Japanese S&T policy including S&T Basic Plan and the promotion strategy of Council for Science and Technology Policy. Specifically, we conduct S&T research and development according to social and economic needs in Basic Research Programs, Research and Development Aiming for the Realization of Social Innovation, and Development of Systems and Technology for Advanced Measurement Analysis.

  • Support for leading research

    This project development supports research by theme and method. Basic Research Programs, which supports advanced basic research, has projects known as CREST, PRESTO (Sakigake), and ERATO, each of which promotes research that brings about breakthrough in S&T.

  • Support Methods for Basic Research Programs
    • CREST: A team-oriented research to tackle big themes

      CREST is a team-oriented research that generates seeds of innovation with a large impact. The optimal research team is organized to implement research. The research supervisor takes leadership in managing research as the leader of the research area (virtual institute).

    • PRESTO (Sakigake): An individual-oriented research to generate seeds

      PRESTO is an individual-oriented research that nurtures seeds of future innovation. Researchers with flexible mind-set and determination to take on new challenges are gathered together to conduct research under the research supervisor. Through biannual camp-style research presentations for each research area (area conference), researchers with various areas of expertise interact with one another to conduct research.

    • ERATO: New area development with research projects

      Basic research stage is crucial in developing a new S&T area that generates innovation. ERATO aims to create new research areas that will be the headwaters of future S&T, by aggressively generating S&T seeds that are unique to Japan. It is characterized by diverse personnel and independent research system.

    • Promoting Globalization of Strategic Basic Research Programs

      JST promotes the globalization of its basic research programs.

  • Center for Research and Development Strategy (CRDS)

    JST established the Center for Research and Development Strategy (CRDS) in order to fundamentally reinforce the design function of R&D strategies at JST, to enhance our structure as a funding agency, as well as to contribute to R&D strategy designing throughout Japan. In FY 2006, JST/CRDS has newly established China Research Center (CRC) to enhance mutual understanding between China and Japan.