ScienceInsider, http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2013/01/japans-stimulus-propels-science-.html?ref=hp

Japan's Stimulus Propels Science Spending to New Heights

by Dennis Normile on 18 January 2013, 12:45 PM | 2 Comments

Share on emailEmailShare on printPrint|Share on facebookShare on twitter

Share on redditShare on stumbleuponMore Sharing ServicesMore

PREVIOUS ARTICLE

TOKYO—The economic stimulus the Japanese government announced last week includes $11 billion for science and technology according to a preliminary analysis released by the Cabinet office yesterday. Combined with previously planned spending, total national and local government support for science for the fiscal year through March will reach $57 billion—a new record. Much of the new money will go to applied research.

The stimulus package includes $958 million to upgrade research infrastructure, $107 million for disaster prevention and mitigation studies, $359 million to promote innovative medical treatments and pharmaceuticals (including $238 million for research on induced pluripotent stem cells and other regenerative therapies), and $437 million for next-generation energy technologies. Another $666 million will go to Earth, marine, and polar observation programs.

The largest science-related line item in the package is $2 billion to promote university-industry collaboration. Though details are still being worked out, some of the spending will aim to equip universities for industrially  more