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On 9-12 October, the sixth meeting of the Asian Heads of Research Councils (ASIAHORCs) was hosted in Beijing by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Originally proposed by JSPS and launched in 2007, ASIAHORCs works to promote scientific advancement and young researcher development in the Asian region.  This year's meeting brought together representatives of leading science-promotion organizations from Japan, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. Their discussion centered on the theme "Evaluation of Science Funding System and Quality of Science," while also exchanging views on ideas for future collaboration. The members introduced the evaluation processes used in their research funding systems and touched upon future challenges. In JSPS president Dr. Yuichiro Anzai's presentation, he introduced the peer review process used in JSPS's Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research and Research Fellowships for Young Scientists programs, and the results they yield. He also talked about the innovative project assessment process installed in the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), and explained the self-evaluation and external evaluation systems JSPS employs and the Future Vision Study Group it convenes. These review and evaluation systems touched a high chord of interest among the members, evoking a vigorous discussion with many questions and answers. Next year's ASIAHORCs meeting is scheduled to be hosted by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences in November. - Asian Program Division  |
