The OECD Global Science Forum Presentation to the MEXT Council for Science and Technology by Stefan Michalowski October 30, 2006

Transcription

1 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development The OECD Global Science Forum Presentation to the MEXT Council for Science and Technology by Stefan Michalowski October 30, 2006

2 Through the Global Science Forum, senior government officials develop findings and action recommendations on high-priority science policy issues. GSF is a general-purpose committee, dealing with a wide range of issues: Administrative/management issues where international consultations are needed, e.g., research misconduct International issues at the intersection of science and society, e.g., enhancing societal safety Specific scientific domains where something new, noteworthy is happening, e.g., high-intensity lasers

3 How the Global Science Forum Works A The Global Science Forum meets two times each year (March, October). Meetings are attended by governmental representatives of 28 countries, the European Commission, 4 Observers. Subsidiary activities are proposed by delegations. B Approved subsidiary activities (working groups, workshops) usually involve funding agency officials, laboratory administrators, representatives of scientific organisations, invited experts. They are organised and facilitated by a small secretariat of international civil servants. C All subsidiary activities result in a publicly-available policy-level report containing findings and action recommendations for governments, intergovernmental organisations, or the international scientific community.

4 How the Global Science Forum Works A The Global Science Forum meets two times each year (March, October). Meetings are attended by governmental representatives of 28 countries, the European Commission, 4 Observers. Subsidiary activities are proposed by delegations. B Approved subsidiary activities (working groups, workshops) usually involve funding agency officials, laboratory administrators, representatives of scientific organisations, invited experts. They are organised and facilitated by a small secretariat of international civil servants. C All subsidiary activities result in a publicly-available policy-level report containing findings and action recommendations for governments, intergovernmental organisations, or the international scientific community.

5 Activities Neutron Sources High-Energy Neutrinos Radio Astronomy / Radio Spectrum Proton Accelerators Nuclear Physics I Structural Genomics Bioinformatics Condensed Matter Facilities High-Intensity Lasers Astronomy and Astrophysics High-Energy Physics Grid Computing Neuroinformatics Best Practices in Int. Cooperation Establishing Large Int. Facilities Science Indicators and Models Science for a Safer Society Science Education Energy Research Earthquake Science Nuclear Physics II Research Misconduct Scientific Collections International Polar Year Mathematics & Industry

6 Labs & Institutes International Organizations Central Funding Science Agencies Administrations International Scientific Orgs. Advisory Groups & Experts GSF Stakeholders

7 Japan has been a strong user and supporter of the GSF since the beginning (1992). One of the secretariat staff is supported by MEXT. Mr. Nabuhiro Muroya, Mrs. Sachiko Ishizaka, Mr. Kenji Sudo, Mr. Hiroshi Furuta, Mr. Takuya Okamoto The current head of the Japanese Delegation is Mr. Hiroshi Nagano from JST. A history of fruitful collaboration with many organisations: JSPS, NISTEP, RISTEX, RIKEN, KEK, NAOJ, TIT, others Special thanks to Mr. Hideki Iwabuchi and Mr. Takuya Okamoto!

8 GSF Study of Best Practices for Ensuring Scientific Integrity and Preventing Misconduct Lead countries Japan, Canada Co-Chairs Professor Makoto Asashima, Japan (VP, SCJ) Dr. Nigel Lloyd, Canada Background & Rationale Recently, many instances of scientific misconduct have gathered widespread attention. Scientific misconduct (such as fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and other inappropriate actions) damages science, is a misuse of public funds, and weakens the trust of citizens in government s ability to responsibly manage research. A number of countries are currently designing or modifying their rules and procedures for dealing with misconduct they need information and advice in an international context.

9 GSF Study of Best Practices for Ensuring Scientific Integrity and Preventing Misconduct Lead countries Japan, Canada Co-Chairs Professor Makoto Asashima, Japan Dr. Nigel Lloyd, Canada Scope GSF will produce a report with findings and conclusions in three areas: The significance and impact of research misconduct The international diversity of principles and procedures for dealing with allegations of misconduct The possible causes and contributing factors

10 GSF Study of Best Practices for Ensuring Scientific Integrity and Preventing Misconduct Lead countries Japan, Canada Co-Chairs Professor Makoto Asashima, Japan Dr. Nigel Lloyd, Canada Work Programme The GSF approved the activity at its meeting in July Japan and Canada were designated as lead countries. An International Steering Committee has been formed, with representatives of thirteen countries. A workshop will be held in Tokyo on February 22/23, A discussion paper is being prepared, based on interviews with experts. A consensus final report will be be produced following the workshop. Input will be provided to AAAS annual meeting, and the ESF/ORI World Conference on Research Integrity in September 2007 in Lisbon.

11 Requirements for a successful GSF activity Scientific opinion should be mature. Scientists should acknowledge need for some top down guidance or help. Interesting science is not enough. Must have a specific problem/challenge/opportunity. Need interest in three regions (Europe, Asia/Pacific, N. America). Activity must be visible/transparent/inclusive, especially with regard to the scientific community.

12 In most GSF activities, scientific organisations have been invited to participate as equal partners For example, Working Group on Nuclear Physics has government-appointed delegates from 13 countries, plus: IUPAP/ICNP NuPECC CERN JINR EURISOL also UNESCO ESF Euroscience ICSU IAU IUGG others

13 Some general observations and ideas for the future Need better understanding the options for legal/organisational/managerial arrangements at large international facilities. Need better indicators and analytical models for assessing societal impact of S&T investments. There is a lack of internationally-comparable data about funding and personnel in various scientific domains. National and regional long-term planning and prioritisation (roadmapping) deserve examination from a global perspective. Scientific organisations are not inclined. to recommend long-term priorities. Multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary science is difficult to plan and manage.

14 Please keep using the GSF for your international consultation needs. Please identify and propose new GSF activities. Please continue your generous support. Thank you for your attention