About the Science Council of Japan (SCJ)

The Science Council of Japan (SCJ) is the representative organization of the Japanese scientist community ranging over all fields of sciences subsuming humanities, social sciences, life sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.

Function of the SCJ

The SCJ was established in January 1949 as a "special organization" under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister, operating independently of the government, for the purpose of promoting and enhancing the field of science, and having science reflected in and permeated into administration, industries and people's lives. On October 1, 2026, SCJ was reorganized as a corporation established by the government.

The SCJ promotes the advancement and development of science, contributes to solving societal challenges by utilizing of scientific knowledge, and contributes to the sustainable development of human society and the enhancement of the well-being of the people.

With a focus on the following four activities, the SCJ is extremely active in its deliberations, helping to improve and develop science in Japan, and strengthening the inseparable alliance with the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, which is the command center for Japan’s science and technology policies.

• Policy recommendations to the government and public
• International activities
• Promotion of scientific literacy
• Establishment of networks among scientists

Organization of the SCJ

The SCJ consists of 250 Council Members (quota) , elected as representatives of scientists nationwide who are engaged in outstanding research or have made great achievements.
The SCJ conducts activities from a universal perspective and a comprehensive and multifaceted viewpoint, taking advantage of the fact that it is comprised of scientists from a broad-range of professional disciplines including humanities and social sciences, life sciences, and physical sciences and engineering.