The current project conducts the following ethical and social research in together with a research community of molecular robots whose working principle is the same as living organisms composed of biomolecules; (a) practices of dialogue with diverse stakeholders from upstream; and (b) clarification of the conditions and processes necessary to obtain better understanding and acceptance by society.
The project aims to develop a new model of co-creation between natural science researchers and humanities and social science researchers by means of the dialogue practice premised on "researchers autonomy" and "sustainable science communication conducted by researchers themselves" from the viewpoint of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), for contributing to the desirable growth of innovative science and technology in harmony with citizens and society. It will promote the following three activities in expectation of their synergy effects; (1) practice and advancement of science communication to co-create and share the ideal future image of molecular robots with citizens; (2) formulation of RRI guidelines for molecular robot researches; and (3) examination of cross-disciplinary and predictive ELSI and its application to concrete research topics. The results will be widely disseminated both domestically and internationally.

・R&D Period： October 2021 - March 2025
・Grant Number： JPMJRX21J4