1. Current status of nanoscience research by Riken Japan
The Japan Institute of Physics and Chemistry (RIKEN, for short) is an interdisciplinary research organization. The departments of the institute are distributed in 7 regions of Japan. RIKEN’s main base, Heguang Park, has three research centers: Discovery Research Center (DRI), New Field Research System (FRS), and Brain Science Center (BSI). The research conducted by RIKEN can be divided into three categories: DRI mainly conducts small-scale but long-term perspectives of cultivation research programs; FRS also implements small-scale programs, but uses a top-down approach to carry out more dynamic medium- and medium-scale programs ; As for the research center, it conducts a large-scale, medium- to long-range, goal-oriented plan. RIKEN’s research budget for the second half of fiscal year 2003 (from October 2003 to March 2004) totaled US$474.8 million, and the annual budget exceeded US$900 million.
Since 1986, RIKEN has been engaged in nanoscience research, but the official nanoscience program started in 2002. Initially, 18 nanoscience programs were selected and carried out in various research centers.
2. Japan raises its nanotechnology budget and industrial cooperation (JAPAN BOOSTS NANOTECHNOLOGY BUDGET AND INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION)
According to the Japanese Council for Science and Technology Policy (Council for Science and Technology Policy), Japan’s budget for nanotechnology in fiscal year 2004 (starting from April 1) grew by 3.1% to reach US$880 million. At the same time, the budgets of the two government ministries that are mainly responsible for Japan's nanotechnology research and development programs have also grown. Japan's Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI), which is responsible for promoting the upcoming research and development work, has increased its budget from US$97 million in 2003 to US$110 million in 2004. Nanotechnology and related materials research is designated as one of the four highest priority projects. Other fields include information and communication, life sciences and environmental research.
Japan’s budget is approved by the Finance Ministry of Japan and then formulated into law by the Japanese Diet. Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) nanotechnology research and development funding has grown from 230 million US dollars to 240 million US dollars, and will focus on basic raw material research and new drug research programs.