Message from the Former Director
2008
In order to resolve the various social problems arising in the contemporary world, policy formulation utilizing the results of advanced research is required. Up to now, faculty members of The University of Tokyo have contributed to the process of policy making on an individual basis. But today, when universities are increasingly called upon to contribute to society at large, The University of Tokyo believes that making available the intellectual resources needed for policy formulation and articulating policy alternatives is one of the roles it should play. Thus, on July 8, 2008, the UTokyo Policy Alternatives Research Institute was established under the Office of the President.
The Institute is a small organization comprising just seven members, but as the hub for policy research on campus, we will act as an organization for disseminating policy alternatives to society based on our own policy proposals, as well as on the ideas we glean from the research results of a variety of other departments and institutions within the university. We also hope to establish networks with government agencies, corporations, mass media, and other organizations outside the university, seeking a mutual exchange of ideas and the invigoration of policy studies. As our research progresses, the Institute will share its results with society at large through a broad spectrum of media, from published materials and its website to public symposiums and other events.
Akira MORITA
Project Professor, Policy Alternatives Research Institute, The University of Tokyo (2012)
Senior Fellow, Policy Alternatives Research Institute, The University of Tokyo (2010)
Director, Policy Alternatives Research Institute, The University of Tokyo (2008)