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−1−Synthesiology - English edition Vol.1 No.1 (2008) PrefaceA new journal entitled Synthesiology is now being published by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). The path to the publication of this journal was not easy. Long hours of discussions were held among the members of the editorial board concerning the nature of the journal, and I believe its general direction and philosophy are gradually taking shape. Here, I would like to express my thoughts on this new journal.Synthesiology is a collection of papers on the results of Full Research, especially Type 2 Basic Research. Full Research is a term used at AIST to indicate a research method that can effectively make contributions to industry. This research approach, however, has always been plagued by a fundamental problem. Although many important and original studies have been done, there has been no place where such researchers could exhibit their originality in the form of research papers. As a consequence, their original thoughts failed to become public property, and this has been a serious loss for society. Although this journal was born from the efforts of AIST researchers, I hope it will become a place of presentation for all similar research conducted around the world.1 Foundation of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) - Background of the JournalThe National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) was founded in 2001 by the integration of 15 research institutes under the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology (the former AIST), including some member organizations that date back to 1882. Harboring 3,000 researchers, it is one of the largest independent administrative research institution in Japan. Moreover, it is a multidisciplinary institute covering wide-ranging fields including mechanical engineering, electricity, electronics, materials, chemistry, life science, information science, energy, environment, geology, and metrology. Its objective is to promote industrial progress through basic research and developmental research. The mission of the Geological Survey of Japan, the oldest research organization, was to explore the natural resources that were essential for Japan A journal of original papers of Type Two Basic Researchto develop in the Meiji Period. Not only did it carry out exploration, but it also carried out the necessary basic research in geophysics and chemistry, and applied the knowledge gained to actual resource exploration. The Central Inspection Institute of Weights and Measures also has a long history and has conducted research on physical standards and units, the most basis of scientific research, while at the same time carrying out practical tasks such as the calibration of measuring instruments. Looking back at the history of the research institutes of AIST that were established one after another, it is clear that all pursued basic scientific research while also providing the knowledge needed for industrial development required by Japan at the time.Immediately before the foundation of AIST, there were 15 separate research institutes under the auspices of the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, which was an affiliated agency of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (the present Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, METI); eight research institutes dedicated to individual research fields situated in Tsukuba and seven regional research institutes. Each institute was devoted to a specific field with specialized researchers conducting basic research in their respective fields. At the same time, each institute was engaged in national projects with industry involvement. This system has contributed greatly to the industrial development from the founding of Japan in the Meiji Period to the industrial revival after World WarⅡ, as well as to the increased competitiveness of the manufacturing industry which has lead to strong economic growth. After achieving strong economic growth in the latter half of the 1980s, the export volume of Japanese industrial products increased and Japan occupied a significant position in the world market. Many countries saw Japan as a country, however, that created products by applying basic technology developed in other countries, mass-produced highly competitive, high-quality, low-cost products using mass production technology, and conquered international markets while expanding its economy. This perspective aroused criticism from countries that were disadvantaged by the competition. This viewpoint, which has been sometimes referred to as a “free ride on basic research”, claimed that Japan never conducted basic research on its own, but borrowed basic scientific results obtained by other countries with great investment, applied them, and made a profit. This emotional condemnation became the President, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo Headquarters, 1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8921, JapanHiroyuki Yoshikawa[Translation from Synthesiology, Vol.1, No.1, p.1-6 (2008)]

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