The Japan Science Technology Agency (JST) held a symposium entitled "Urgent Symposium: Why is attraction of the Japanese research publications declining, and what should we do?" During this symposium, various opinions were shared on what each of stakeholders such as government and policy makers, funding agencies, research institutions (e.g., universities), and researchers and the research community, shared do to improve Japan’s research capabilities.

JST believes that each stakeholder working in their respective capacities is crucial, and we will take the lead in implementing the initiatives that incorporate what we discussed this time. Furthermore, we will consider what JST can do and implement it immediately. Moreover, JST will make necessary requests to relevant ministries and agencies; simultaneously, we will actively deliver our requests to universities, other research institutions, the research community, and individual researchers.

As part of this effort, this article introduces the opinions expressed in the symposium, especially for researchers and the research community. We hope that researchers use this article as a reference for future efforts to revive Japan’s research capabilities.

*The opinions presented here are based on the views of the individual speakers and contributors and do not represent the institutions to which they belong and nor do they represent the conclusions of this symposium.

• Securing time spending for research and reducing burden on researchers
• ・Streamlining and simplifying applications and reports
• ・Improving the efficiency and reducing the burden of research funding applications and reviews

• Promoting internationalization of research activities
• ・Collaborating with world’s top academia and global companies
• ・Supporting international exchanges and designing systems that are easy to implement
• ・Providing systematic and comprehensive support for hosting international workshops

• Designing and sharing of research visions
• ・Ensuring the expertise of examiners (e.g., PMs), developing and presenting visions in each area of expertise

• Improving the quality of research
• ・Ensuring degree of freedom in the programs

• Developing next-generation human resources
• ・Improving research funding for young researchers (to use their originality with a high degree of freedom)
• ・Fostering motivation for independence and ambition by expanding support for start-ups

• Securing research funds (including promotion of public understanding)
• ・Supporting unrestricted and challenging research in competitive research funding other than KAKENHI