Riding the momentum of a significant science and technology budget increase — MEXT Minister Matsumoto: "Looking forward to even greater efforts from research sites"

In a press conference on January 9, Yohei Matsumoto, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (shown in photo) stated, "We were able to achieve a substantial increase in the initial budget for the proposal for fiscal year 2026, which is to be put toward the revival of science through fundamental strengthening of our country's research capabilities, including management expense grants for national university corporations and Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research. I would like to ask those on the front lines to embrace our message (to achieve the revival of science through this significant budget increase) and make even greater efforts." He called on researchers at universities and research institutions to work toward improving research capabilities.

He further expressed his determination, saying, "As we make use of these financial resources, we will listen to voices from the field and comprehensively advance the continuous creation of new research fields, the establishment of international networks, the development and promotion of science and technology personnel, the construction of research environments suited to the times, and the integrated promotion of secure fundamental expenses and university reforms, in order to restore the international predominance of our country's research capabilities."

The 7th Science, Technology and Innovation Basic Plan will begin next fiscal year. The key to the revival of science will be whether fundamental expenses and basic research funding can be continuously increased.