Our Program

Freelance Journalist

IGARASHI Michiko graduated from department of Astronomy, Graduated School of Science, The University of Tokyo. She Joined NEC (Nippon Electric Company, Limited), worked in the Space Development Division, and charged in scientific satellite projects for the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, (ISAS) (now the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA). She Engaged in the development of Japan's first space probes such as SAKIGAKE (MS-T5) and SUISEI (PLANET-A). In 1988, worked as a reporter for The Asahi Shimbun (Asahi Newspaper).

After working as an editor for "Asahi Weekly Encyclopedia" and "Kagaku Asahi" (Asahi magazine), she joined the science department, the arts and literature department, the lifestyle department; as well as reporting, writing, and editing on topics such as science and technology(S&T), medicine, welfare, and social security for medical groups. In 2010 she began her job as Freelance Journalist, and being an appointed member of the Research Planning and Evaluation Subcommittee of the Council for Science and Technology Policy; also involved in the management and operation as well as research planning and evaluation of national university corporations; Inter-University Research Institute Corporation; National Research and Development Agency.
The themes of her concerns are the "science communication" and "science and society".

When the program started in 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred in March and it caused the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.
The phrase "the collapse of safety myths" flooded in the society and affected people's trust greatly in politics and science.
It was important to clarify the policy-making process that was in a "black box" and pointed out the importance of discussion and consensus based on scientific evidences as a prerequisite.

It has been a decade since this incident. S&T have been advanced to the point where it is now possible to manipulate life through genome editing. Society is being constantly revolutionized by the introduction of AI and other technologies.
With the use of SNS, it has become commonplace for citizens to participate in science and politics and to speak freely.

On the other hand, in the field of policy and science, although a lot of research results have been produced and recommendations were made. I feel that there is still a gap between them.
As the world faces the unprecedented crisis of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the relationship between the science and society; policy and science are facing new challenges.

The "Innovation" stands for "revolutionized" and "new methods" and it is also meant to fulfill the better future and life for individuals by S&T. I would like to pursue this role with scientists for taking the first step.