May 31, 2026
Director-General
HIBIYA Junko
Research Institute of Science and Technology for Society (RISTEX)
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Science and technology have long been the bedrock of social progress, bringing significant benefits to both daily life and industry. However, we are facing an era in which diverse and complex challenges overlap. While rapid technological innovation is transforming the very fabric of society, institutional and social structures have not kept pace with the speed of these changes. Geopolitical tensions, economic disparities driven by the digital divide, and the polarization of values continue to spread and deepen social divisions across various aspects of society. Amid these circumstances, trust in science and technology, which are supposed to underpin society, is beginning to waver. Furthermore, global crises such as climate change, extreme natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and resource depletion are unfolding simultaneously, creating a growing sense of uncertainty. These issues cannot be resolved independently of one another. Now that the first quarter of this century has passed, it can be said that we are living in an era in which the very foundations of society are being called into question.
Since its predecessor, the “Science and Technology for Society Research System,” was established in 2001, RISTEX has consistently addressed the question of how to effectively utilize science and technology in society. What we prioritize is not the technological advancement itself, but rather the process by which its outcomes earn public trust and become deeply rooted in our institutions and daily lives. We believe that adopting the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) guidelines will become increasingly important in the future. RRI not only addresses the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) raised by science and technology, but also incorporates societal values and expectations into the very process of research and innovation. I vividly recall being amazed by RISTEX’s fundamental approach, when I first served as an advisor for its “Solution-Driven Co-creative R&D Program for SDGs” from 2019 to 2021. Researchers from natural sciences, the humanities, and social sciences were collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders (including government officials, businesses, and local community members) to generate new knowledge for society.
We can no longer stand idle on the sidelines. Both geopolitical divisions and environmental crises are becoming increasingly severe, and it is clear that the two issues are inseparable. In this era of global crises, we must ask ourselves: What role can science play? Our mission is to continue exploring this question together with society. Building on the extensive experience in social innovations that RISTEX has cultivated over the years, we will boldly and responsibly lead the way toward a sustainable future. Together with researchers, partner organizations, and society at large, we are committed to exploring how science and technology can contribute to a better future.
