Messages from President

Participation of Next Generation and Global Talents

   In recent years, many academic societies have suffered damages, with decreases in membership and revenue. The SPSJ was also no exception to these trends, but thanks to the great efforts of the executive members up to the former President Ito and the secretariat, we have seen some bright and positive signs. In order to prevent these signs from being temporary phenomena, further globalization is essential for Japan, which has led the academic and industrial fields of polymers, to make a leap forward for Japan. We will systematically strengthen cooperation with international conferences and polymer-related societies in foreign countries, and promote exchanges with domestic societies in other
fields. polymer-related societies, too.
   In addition, globalization is not only limited to the global scale, but also includes a sense of diversity across different fields. In particular, in SPSJ, which has a wide base distribution in terms of the balance between industry and academia, and the composition, qualitative and quantitative expansions of diversity will be important for future evolution and deepening of SPSJ. As the participation of the next generation in the Society as an urgent and important issue, we will first proceed searching and extracting the desired form, then tackle new projects with a determination to be bold enough to undertake a trial and error.

Strategic Planning and Management

   In order to take advantage of the merits of online as a venue for getting knowledge and insight, we will start an attempt to convert next year’s annual conference to a web-based event. On the other hand, we have also recognized the importance of on-site meetings as a place for new encounters, deepening of existing ties and discussions. Therefore, we would like to take this as a good opportunity to review various projects, including the three major events, from a new perspective over the medium to long term, including planning and management, in a strategic manner under the cooperations of the branches, and secretariat.

Environment and Polymers

   Today, environmental harmony and global warming are major issues, and polymer science and industry are becoming more important in contributing to the creation of a sustainable and prosperous society of the future. In addition, in dealing with the ELV Directive as the most recent issue, we aim to further disseminate information on the significant contribution that polymer research and technology originating in Japan have made, can make, and must continue to make to solving this issue on a glocal basis. In addition, as some parts of the public tends to believe that plastics are bad guys, we need to play a role in eliminating misconceptions and disseminating knowledge. For this purpose, in addition to enhancing our journal, website, PJ, and Polymer Mirai Juku®, we will repeatedly provide detailed explanations through a variety of opportunities and media.

For the Future

   The SPSJ is a society in which everyone involved in the production and use of polymers in industry, government, and academia, as well as university students, graduate students, and elementary, junior high, and high school students, can participate. It is important to create a content and atmosphere that will attract and satisfy the active participation of all participants.
   We will do our utmost to make SPSJ attractive, interesting, and useful, and to attract a large number of people, and to create a broad base and a high peak for the Society.
   In order to achieve this, the cooperation and support of not only our members, but also the branches, research groups, the secretariat of SPSJ are indispensable. I would like to ask for your continued guidance and encouragement.