连获诺奖让日本列岛沸腾

Core Viewpoint - The recent Nobel Prize wins by Japanese researchers are expected to stimulate interest in STEM fields among the younger generation in Japan, addressing concerns about the country's declining research capabilities and low proportion of STEM graduates [2][5]. Group 1: Nobel Prize Impact - Japan has produced eight Nobel laureates in Chemistry, with the latest winners being Yoshinori Ohsumi in 2019 and Shibumi Sakaguchi in 2023, marking a resurgence in recognition for Japanese researchers [2][4]. - The achievements of these laureates are seen as a catalyst for encouraging young people to pursue careers in science, potentially reversing the trend of declining STEM enrollment [2][5]. Group 2: STEM Education Statistics - In 2023, only 35% of Japan's doctoral graduates specialized in STEM fields, which is below the OECD average of 43%, ranking Japan 32nd out of 38 countries [5][6]. - There is a notable trend of students opting for master's degrees instead of pursuing doctoral studies, particularly influenced by the structure of private universities that emphasize humanities and social sciences [5]. Group 3: Government Initiatives - The Japanese government has established a 300 billion yen fund aimed at increasing the number of graduates in STEM fields, providing substantial subsidies to public and private universities to promote restructuring of departments [5][6]. - The government aims to raise the proportion of STEM degree holders to 50% by around 2032, reflecting a strategic shift to enhance the country's research capabilities [6]. Group 4: Changing Employment Landscape - There is a growing demand for highly specialized doctoral talent in Japanese companies, indicating a shift in recruitment and personnel policies [7]. - The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is committed to ensuring financial support for young researchers, acknowledging the need for improved support for basic science [7].