Japanese researchers discuss Future Earth’s 62 priorities for global sustainability research

Future Earth published its Strategic Research Agenda 2014 in December 2014 and presented eight global sustainability challenges and 62 priorities for global sustainability research in the coming 3-5 years. This prompted researchers from a range of institutions to get together to reflect on the document. A study meeting on the SRA 2014 was held at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Tokyo, on 1 May 2015, to further promote research in the framework of Future Earth in Japan, to share understandings of the priority research agenda among various stakeholders, and to explore options for research funding. The meeting was called by volunteers from among the members of the Future Earth Committee of the Science Council of Japan, represented by Prof. Tetsuzo Yasunari, the Director-General of Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN). RIHN supported the organization of the study meeting including a Japanese translation of SRA 2014 and the facilitation of discussion.

Thirty-five participants from ministries and research community in Japan joined the meeting, where participants were divided into four groups and discussed research priorities and scrutinized missing elements from the perspective of Japan, Asia and global scope.