STiPS: Program for Education and Research on Science and Technology in Public Sphere

About STiPS

The Program for Education and Research on Science and Technology in Public Sphere (STiPS) is a human resource development program jointly offered by Osaka University and Kyoto University.
STiPS was established in January 2012 as a program under the Science for RE-designing Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (SciREX) program of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
STiPS is dedicated to research and education on ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) of science and technology and is committed to the development of individuals who can contribute in the realm of policy making through SciREX.
Since April 2013, our educational program has been offered through the collaboration of Osaka University and Kyoto University.

STiPS – a Hub for Education


Through education and the opportunity to become involved in the field of public engagement in science and technology, we aim to educate individuals who can transcend the borders of their specializations, understand issues related to science, technology and society from various angles, and contribute to the process of policy making by acting as links between academia, policy, and society.

STiPS – a Hub for Research

Osaka University and Kyoto University will jointly research the ELSI of science and technology. This process will incorporate trends in research in science and technology so as to continuously improve the effectiveness of the practice and analysis of public engagement in the policy making process. This ELSI research will foster both theoretical and practical skills in public engagement through students’ participation in and analysis of activities such as technology assessment.

STiPS – a Hub for Practical Application


This program offers the opportunity for students to take the initiative in hands-on experience in social collaboration between academic and social sectors. Both Osaka University and Kyoto University have strong ties with the business sector and local government in the Kansai area, and they frequently collaborate and exchange information in the realm of science and technology. By promoting participation of citizens and NGOs / NPO in public activities, STiPS is contributing to the development of science, technology, and innovation policies. It is also helping to draft and plan research and development that truly reflect the needs, situations, and issues of local society.

Human Resource Development through Collaboration between Hub Institutions


1. High-level practitioners working to realize evidence-based policy making.
2. Researchers in the area of Science for RE-designing Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (SciREX).
3. Those capable of connecting Science for RE-designing Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (SciREX) to natural, human and social sciences.