Polymer Science and Technology at a Historical Turning Point

   It is a great honor for me to be elected as the 36th President of the Society of Polymer Science, Japan. It is a very important responsibility, but with the support of our members, I will do my best to serve you well. We are now at a historical turning point. The world has changed dramatically with the COVID and Ukraine invasion. In the field of materials, it is now more important than ever to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, realize circular economy, and protect the global environment. The role of polymers is becoming increasingly important in this era of change. We will do our utmost to deepen the academic field and strongly promote the development of new fields, while at the same time, industry, academia, and government will unite to boldly take up the challenge of addressing urgent social issues such as circular economy, and work together with you to create an academic society that will contribute to the realization of the SDGs.

Kohzo ITO, President

 
 

Enhancement of member services:

   We will seek to balance the advantages of online events with face-to-face meetings, and by building a new model of interaction among members, we will place the highest priority on enhancing our services to satisfy our members. In addition, we will place importance on gender and generational diversity in our operations, and we will work together with the secretariat to strongly promote various projects while reflecting the opinions of our members.
 
 

Interaction between industry, academia, and government:

   In cooperation with Polymer Technology Executive’s Society, Japan（KOBUNSHI DOYUKAI）, the Society will play a central role in solving social issues by becoming a hub for exchange between industry, academia, and government, including different fields. To this end, we will place special emphasis on the activities of the branches and research groups, which are the foundation of the society's activities, to further invigorate them. We will continue to actively promote information dissemination through KOBUNSHI and Polymer Journal, interactive homepage and webinars, use of the Polymer MiraiJuku, and international exchanges.

 
 

Human Resource Development:

   In this era of great change, it is more important than ever for the association to become a Dojo (training gym) for human resource development. In addition to enhancing educational courses and promoting exchanges among young members of each branch, we will strongly promote the passing on of wisdom between generations with the cooperation of senior members. We will provide opportunities for young people from Japan-abroad/industry-academia-government to interact across disciplinary boundaries.
 
 

Others (Planning and Strategy Office, outreach activities, etc.)

   The Planning and Strategy Office has been established to provide a meeting for ongoing discussion of mid- to long-term issues facing the Society and for flexible and immediate measures to address them. This is to ensure the steady implementation of the Action Plan formulated in 2018, as well as because the environment surrounding polymers has changed significantly and some modifications have become necessary. It is also important to review the way we hold our three major events due to rising venue costs and other factors, as well as to improve profitability. Furthermore, we believe it is necessary to communicate the positive aspects of polymers to the general public in easy-to-understand terms through proactive outreach activities.
 

   The Society of Polymer Science, Japan (SPSJ) celebrated its 70th anniversary, and various commemorative events were held in grand style at this year's annual meeting. I believe that we are now entering a major turning point of the times, and that it has become necessary to simultaneously turn science and technology, fundamentals and applications, in the same direction. I feel very strongly about the significance of the existence of our Society at this historical turning point. I am very much looking forward to working with you all in the management of the Society, and I would like to ask for your support and guidance.
 
Kohzo ITO
The 36th President of The Society of Polymer Science, Japan