The 3^rd Funding Agency Presidents’ Meeting (FAPM)

The Funding Agency Presidents' Meeting (hereinafter referred to as “FAPM”) has been annually co-organized by Deutsche Forschungs-gemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) since 2010 on the occasion of the Annual Meeting of the Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum (hereinafter referred to as “STS forum ”). This year, DFG and JST co-organized the 3^rd Funding Agency Presidents' Meeting on 8^th October during the 9^th STS forum annual meeting held from 7-9 October 2012, in order to bring together the representatives of these organizations to informally discuss common interests and concerns, thereby facilitating and enhancing networking and cooperation among the funding agencies.

The 3^rd FAPM, co-chaired by Professor Dr.-Ing. Matthias Kleiner, President of DFG and Dr. Michiharu Nakamura, President of JST, was attended by 26 participants from 19 countries and featured proactive discussion on three topics: the "Role of Funding Agencies in Securing Scientific Integrity and Ethical Behavior of Scientists", "Importance of Open Access to Scientific Data" and "Scientific Oriented (Curiosity Driven) Funding and Policy Oriented Funding".

In discussion on the "Role of Funding Agencies in Securing Scientific Integrity and Ethical Behavior of Scientists", participants confirmed the importance of a code of conduct and stated that its dissemination was the responsibility of the funding agencies. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of sharing national codes of conduct between countries as research activities become increasingly globalized, the participants agreed to make continuous efforts to share information, making use of the opportunity provided by this FAPM and the Global Research Council^∗.

Although various challenges were anticipated on the topic of the "Importance of Open Access to Scientific Data", participants did agree that it must be considered further. However, it was also noted that consideration must be careful, given the likely impact on industries such as publishing.

Regarding the topic of "Scientific Oriented (Curiosity Driven) Funding and Policy Oriented Funding", it was reconfirmed that both funding schemes are significant. Although we are witnessing a transition from "Scientific Oriented (Curiosity Driven) Funding" to "Policy Oriented Funding" as a global trend, it was indicated that investment in basic research should not be reduced due to economic reasons.

In closing, President Dr. Nakamura proposed that the 4^th FAPM be held next year, to which all participants agreed.

A summary of the 3^rd FAPM will be made available on the following website:
http://www.jst.go.jp/inter/symposium/fapm.html

∗ Global Research Council
Established by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and initiated by its President, Dr. Subra Suresh in May 2012.
The Council is comprised of the Heads of science and engineering funding agencies from approximately 50 countries and regions, and discusses common challenges at its annual meetings (Summit).
http://www.globalresearchcouncil.org/