– Building a Research Ecosystem for Disruptive Discoveries and Inventions by Outstanding Next-Generation Researchers –
We are pleased to announce that the General Incorporated Association STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (Stellar Science Foundation, hereinafter referred to as SS-F) was established and has commenced activities as of December 20, 2021.
SS-F aims to create a framework that leads to the generation of disruptive discoveries and inventions by identifying and fully supporting outstanding next-generation researchers in all aspects of their research activities.
Background
For many years, Japan led global research as a major science and technology powerhouse. However, in the face of increasingly intense global competition in research, concerns are growing over the decline in Japan’s international standing in research activities, as evidenced by a drop in Japan’s ranking in the number of highly cited papers, a key indicator of international influence in research*. Additionally, many Japanese researchers are seeking richer research environments abroad, further contributing to this decline.
To enhance Japan’s international competitiveness in the scientific field moving forward, it is essential to empower the next generation of researchers. To this end, SS-F was founded to provide the necessary improved research environment in order to accelerate disruptive discoveries and inventions.
Mission
To make the power of science visible and valuable.
Vision
Our Vision is “Disruptive Invention through People-Centric Science”—the idea that disruptive discoveries and inventions arise from the unique perspectives and imagination of researchers. Therefore we believe that the fostering of creative freedom along with free and open research is critical.
Activities
To realize this vision, SS-F will establish mechanisms that uncover outstanding researchers, foster a vibrant scientific community, and provide sufficient resources for ultra-early-stage research and development, thereby ensuring the sustainable generation of disruptive discoveries and inventions.
To this end, SS-F has developed a unique research support framework called the “The Stellar Model,” which consists of three “I’s”:
The Stellar Model: Research Support Framework
Inventor – Identifying Outstanding Next-Generation Researchers
Disruptive inventions and discoveries emerge from Stellar Inventors—researchers with unique perspectives and creativity. SS-F identifies these Stellar Inventors by analyzing global paper data and utilizing its unique network, transcending academic and organizational barriers.
Investment in Foundation – Creating an Environment for Free and Challenging Research
To promote disruptive discoveries and inventions by Stellar Inventors, SS-F builds systems to support academic papers, presentation training, intellectual property strategy planning, securing research locations, and facilitating exchanges with investors and business management.
Inclusive Community – Fostering a Diverse Community
Disruptive discoveries and inventions arise from the collision of various perspectives and values. Therefore, SS-F places a diverse community, transcending generations and fields, at the center of its activities. Through interactions among different Inventors, networking with the industrial sector, and specialized retreats, SS-F stimulates the creation of disruptive inventions and discoveries by fostering the exchange of various ideas and encouraging free and open discussions.
SS-F Founder/ Representative Director Dr.Takanori Takebe:
“Researchers in the United States and Europe typically spend an average of 100 to 150 million yen on research over five years during the most active period of their 30s and 40s, pursuing challenging research topics with free-thinking approaches. Furthermore, by communicating the significance and value of their scientific research in a way that is easy for the general public to understand, they are able to secure large donations and create opportunities for startups. We aim to establish this type of research ecosystem in a uniquely Japanese style and to promote it as a model for Asia and the rest of the world. By realizing this vision together, we believe we can generate research from Japan that supports significant advancements for human society.”
Name Origin
STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION:
The name embodies the mission of discovering Stellar researchers, making the power of Science visible through community efforts, and providing a Foundation of research resources and infrastructure.
Logo Concept
The logo represents the connection between “Stellar Science” (outstanding research) and “Foundation” (research environment and infrastructure), symbolizing our role as a bridge between these elements. Beyond simply linking exceptional research with the necessary environment and resources, the logo also embodies our strong desire to act as a bridge between invention (discovery and innovation) and innovation (new solutions), as well as between Japan and the world.
Foundation Overview
Name: General Incorporated Association STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Founder/ Representative Directore: Takanori Takebe
Establishment Date: December 20, 2021
URL: https://ss-f.org
Messages of Support for SS-F
Yuko Kuno
Co-Founder, Phoenixy Inc./ Chairman and CEO, S&R Foundation (USA)/ Founder, Halcyon (USA)/ Serial Entrepreneur (Biotech)
The world is shifting towards a creator economy. In the future, it will be crucial to focus on the power of the “individual,” and the collision of these individuals will generate unique inventions and discoveries. If we can support the free and bold ideas of scientists, the ultimate form of creators, build new communities, and greatly expand their interaction with society, disruptive innovations that solve global societal challenges will be easier to achieve. For this reason, I deeply resonate with SS-F’s vision and have high expectations for SS-F to create a new scientific ecosystem that transcends existing organizations and fosters invention. I believe that supporting this new momentum is the responsibility of the previous generation.
Eisuke Tachikawa
Founder, NOSIGNER/ Proponent of Evolutionary Thinking/ Chairman, JIDA
Throughout the history of science, most innovative research has come from young researchers of the time. Although Japan has excellent researchers, the country’s science may soon be left behind globally amid intensifying global competition. This is why science research now needs a system that converts individual wisdom into capital.
SS-F’s discerning ability to select outstanding researchers and its systematic approach to addressing and solving challenges are authentic. I hope this initiative will become a beacon of innovation and a new hope for Japanese science.
About Founder/ Representative Director Dr.Takanori Takebe
Graduated from Yokohama City University School of Medicine. Currently serving as the Director of the Communication and Design Center at the Advanced Medical Science Research Center, Yokohama City University, and as a Special Professor. Also a Professor at the Advanced Medical and Dental Engineering Creation Research Division, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, and the Head of the Organ Development and Creation Unit at the Creation Medicine Consortium. Additionally, serves as the Deputy Director at the Organoid Center of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
In 2013, achieved the world’s first creation of a human liver precursor (mini-liver) with vascular structures from iPS cells. Also dedicated to promoting “Street Medical,” which aims to update medical care through the use of design and art methods. He has authored the book Before Treatment: Defining “New Medicine” That Designs People’s Lives under Nikkei Publishing.
He has received several awards including the Beltz Prize in 2014, the New York Stem Cell Foundation Robertson Investigator Award in 2016, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Prize in 2018, the Japan Academy Prize for Academic Encouragement in 2019, and the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award in 2020.
