Building an Ecosystem for Disruptive Discoveries and Inventions   The General Incorporated Association STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (hereinafter referred to as "SS-F"), located in Setagaya, Tokyo, (Chairman: Takanori Takebe), and Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Mitsui Fudosan"), located in Chuo, Tokyo, (President and CEO: Masanobu Komoda), will collaborate on activities for the discovery and support of the next-generation of researchers. Mitsui Fudosan will fully back SS-F's initiatives. Both organizations will work together to establish an environment that allows researchers to tackle challenging themes with creative freedom.   Main Collaboration Activities Comprehensive Support for Research Activities in the Field of Science SS-F will provide promising researchers with support programs, including assistance with academic paper publication and operational planning, providing events for cross-disciplinary exchange, opportunities to build networks with investors and the industrial sector, and assistance in streamlining non-research related tasks. Mitsui Fudosan will fully support SS-F's activities by providing "space," "opportunities," and "funding."   2. Building an Ecosystem for New Industry Creation in the Kannai Area of Yokohama Activities are planned to center around a new industry creation hub…

– 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,…