Sonoko WATANABE (Director, 1st & 2nd Policy-Oriented Research Group)

Title Director, 1st Policy-oriented Research Group
Director, 2nd Policy-oriented Research Group
Sonoko WATANABE
Name Sonoko WATANABE
Educational Background
and Professional Experiences
Graduated from Nara Women’s University(Science)
1989-2005 Fifteen years of experience in the field of science and technology administration beginning with the Science and Technology Agency (STA). Also experience the Prime Minister’s Office, METI, MEXT and other government organizations and engaged in the field of life science (Guidelines for Experiments on Genetic Modification), nuclear safety regulation and big science projects such as International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project, International Space Station Program and “Earth Simulator” Project, the world fastest super-computer project etc.
2007 Director, Office of Planning and Coordination,
   International Division, Minister’s Secretariat, MEXT
   Vice Secretary General, Japan National Commission
   for UNESCO
2009 Minister-counselor, Permanent Delegation
   of Japan to UNESCO (in Paris)
2011 Director for Research Promotion,
   RIKEN Yokohama Institute
2013 Current Position
Research Fields
  • Human resources in science & technology (career-building, diversification and mobility)
  • Relationship of science & technology with society (public attitudes and communication)