Clark Kent
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Domestic academic world stifles
By - 02-17-2010 04:10 PM
Originally Posted at: The Japan Times Online
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Regarding Takamitsu Sawa's Feb. 8 article, "Japan's economy will grow on eco-consumption, immigration": It's true that more foreign scholars and researchers from the natural sciences must be invited to Japan to upgrade the standard of research at universities and scientific institutions. Their participation would help inspire younger Japanese researchers while giving them the opportunity to discuss tasks dealing with serious problems such as global warming, new energy sources and measures for combating cancer and other serious diseases.
However, I see a serious problem when we invite foreign scholars. Many might find it difficult to get along with their Japanese counterparts. The reason is that many Japanese scholars are not accustomed to expressing their ideas freely in English. Moreover, in the Japanese academic world, the younger generation are not welcome to express what they want to say because senior or distinguished scholars and professors control the academic circles to which they belong. If we're going to open up the Japanese academic world to foreigners, we must first clear out the feudalistic atmosphere that encloses the structure and management system.
Read More...
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The Japan Times Online
By - 02-17-2010 04:10 PM
Originally Posted at: The Japan Times Online
====================
Regarding Takamitsu Sawa's Feb. 8 article, "Japan's economy will grow on eco-consumption, immigration": It's true that more foreign scholars and researchers from the natural sciences must be invited to Japan to upgrade the standard of research at universities and scientific institutions. Their participation would help inspire younger Japanese researchers while giving them the opportunity to discuss tasks dealing with serious problems such as global warming, new energy sources and measures for combating cancer and other serious diseases.
However, I see a serious problem when we invite foreign scholars. Many might find it difficult to get along with their Japanese counterparts. The reason is that many Japanese scholars are not accustomed to expressing their ideas freely in English. Moreover, in the Japanese academic world, the younger generation are not welcome to express what they want to say because senior or distinguished scholars and professors control the academic circles to which they belong. If we're going to open up the Japanese academic world to foreigners, we must first clear out the feudalistic atmosphere that encloses the structure and management system.
Read More...
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The Japan Times Online
