President's Message

My name is Seiji MIYASHITA, and I am honored to serve as the president for the 81st term. Although my abilities are limited, I am fully dedicated to giving my utmost effort. I sincerely ask for your continued support.

I believe that the fundamental mission of the Physical Society of Japan (JPS) is to promote physics by enhancing our systems, such as annual meetings, journal publications, and the research environment, to support individual members in their research activities and to provide those studying physics with information about career design. I am committed to carrying out this mission with great seriousness.

One issue troubling us is that the number of regular members of the JPS has been declining since 2000. This is not necessarily an issue specific to the JPS, but we are concerned about the future shrinkage of the physics community. I believe that there is still a steady interest in physics regarding the mysteries of nature, but it is important to nurture young scientists and encourage their interest in physics so that we do not run out of people who are willing to make physics their profession and contribute to advancement in this field.

An urgent and most important task in achieving this goal is to reach out to young people and make them find that physics is an awesome field to get into. The JPS is currently addressing this issue through activities such as Online Physics Lectures, Jr. Sessions, Public Lectures, and various events. The waiver of the fee for student affiliate membership introduced last year has had a significant impact, resulting in a substantial increase in the number of student members. We expect them to become future regular members. Furthermore, we intend to actively promote more initiatives, including giving the students priority in the annual meetings and providing them with more information about career paths. Strengthening support for the research activities of regular members, including subsidies, is also a key priority. I am committed to addressing these issues comprehensively.

This year has been designated by UNESCO as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of quantum physics, and the JPS is working on a number of projects in this regard. Through these endeavors, we hope to raise awareness of "The Physical Society of Japan", promote our activities, and share our perspective on physics as a fascinating field, rather than "something that feels difficult."

The recent advent of AI has given an impetus to discussions on originality. When I asked AI about various things, mostly I received very adequate answers, including "We don't know yet," which I found amazing. However, while AI has a good job of organizing the "known," the role and joy of being a researcher is to address and clarify the "unknown." In addition, to fulfill our responsibility to society, it is important that the JPS provides scientifically accurate information to counter unfounded claims, baseless allegations, and fearmongering. I am also committed to promoting scientific literacy.

Many issues need to be addressed regarding the operation of JPS, including the format of annual meetings, diversity concerns related to gender and minorities, the publication of the international journals, and the pros and cons of obtaining Public Interest Incorporated Association status with regard to our public interest activities.

The Physical Society of Japan is a large organization with 15,000 members, and opinions expressed through questionnaires and other means vary widely. We are therefore seriously and carefully considering how to respond to the requests of our members. Your candid opinions, understanding, and support would be highly appreciated.