Media & Mass Communication, Volume 3, 2014

Abstract: The Japanese government disbursed over sixty-trillion yen in total to research institutions including universities nationally from 1996 to 2011 to promote science and technology. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly transmit the achievements of scientific research to taxpayers. As part of their mission, researchers are also required to facilitate understanding and fulfill expectations of the public. To meet such requirements from the government and society, research institutions including universities have strengthened “Science and Technology Communication” activities since 2005. The Japanese cabinet adopted the “4th Science and Technology Basic Program” on August 19, 2011, and the “Promotion of Science and Technology Communication Activities” has spread across Japan. The objectives of this study clarify cooperation between institutions and researchers and specify elements to be prioritized to enhance cooperation. This paper clarified cooperation among university administrators, public relations departments and researchers based on results of a questionnaire sent to institutions in March 2010.