OUTLINE OF THE PROGRAM

ORGANIZATION

Scientific Advisory Committee

The Scientific Advisory Committee for the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program was established in 1974 in accordance with the Agreement on Cooperation in Cancer Research between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). Under the Agreement, the NCI and the JSPS appointed approximately ten scientists from their respective countries in appropriate disciplines to the Committee. All recommendations and reports of the Committee are submitted to the Director, NCI, and the President, JSPS. The Committee has the following functions: to identify and recommend subject areas for joint activity and support scientific seminars under the Program; to identify and recommend scientists and other professional personnel under the ex-change of personnel program; to make recommendations regarding the inclusion of representatives from other countries in the seminars and other meetings sponsored under this Program; to assess periodically the effectiveness of activities carried out under this Program; and to recommend necessary changes. Since its organization, the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program has operated in accordance with principles of mutuality and equality. The United States supports the participation of the U.S. scientists in this Program and Japan supports the participation of Japanese scientists. The committee will meet annually as the Joint Committee with the meeting place alternating between the United States and Japan.

Implementing Agencies

The implementation and funding of the actual Cooperative Cancer Research Program is accomplished through appropriate agencies of the two countries. In the United States the implementing agency is the NCI, while in Japan, it is the JSPS. The implementing agency in each country appoints a program coordinator in each of the program areas, who is in charge of the program development and implementation in the area. In Japan, the JSPS established its Advisory Committee for the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program in 1974 when the joint program was launched. The JSPS Committee consists of the coordinators of the program areas and other scholars, and two representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Committee deliberates a scientific policy of the Program and plans the implementation of the scientific activities under the Program. The NCI Scientific Group is chaired by the Deputy Director, NCI, and the membership is composed of the United States program coordinators.

Joint Staff Meeting

The U.S. and Japanese implementing agencies adopted the practice of holding joint meetings of staff members from the two countries at appropriate intervals to maintain liaison and to coordinate their activities on behalf of the Program. The first joint staff meeting was held in San Francisco on October 22, 1975, on the occasion of the Second Joint Meeting of the Scientific Advisory Committee. At that time, the Committee agreed on the adoption of procedures of implementing the Program, which has brought common understanding for both agencies.

SUPPORT

The Agreement between the two agencies provides for: (1) the sponsoring of selected scientific seminars to facilitate the exchange of views and in-formation; (2) the support of scientist exchange for short-and long-term visits for research collaboration; and (3) the promotion of exchange of materials and information. The costs are to be shared by the implementing organizations.

SCOPE

The eleven program areas were selected for joint cooperation on the occasion of the First Joint Meeting of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program held on May 14-15, 1974. Program coordinators for each program area were appointed for the purpose of program development and implementation in each of the areas.

Secretariats

The Office of International Affairs, NCI, has been charged with the general administration of the NCI responsibilities for the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program, and the Science Department of the JSPS provides the administrative support for Japan.