{"id":18581,"date":"2014-06-13T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-06-13T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.inrs.ca\/inrs-pays-tribute-to-founding-chair-of-science-and-technology-in-society-forum\/"},"modified":"2020-12-10T07:44:16","modified_gmt":"2020-12-10T12:44:16","slug":"inrs-pays-tribute-to-founding-chair-of-science-and-technology-in-society-forum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.inrs.ca\/en\/news\/inrs-pays-tribute-to-founding-chair-of-science-and-technology-in-society-forum\/","title":{"rendered":"INRS pays tribute to founding chair of Science and Technology in Society forum"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On the sidelines of the Montr\u00e9al Conference, INRS paid tribute to Koji Omi<\/a>, founder and chair of the Science and Technology in Society forum <\/em><\/a>(STS). He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Universit\u00e9 du Qu\u00e9bec, under the auspices of INRS, in recognition of his remarkable work in promoting research and advocating for science that benefits humanity. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The award ceremony was held on June 10, 2014, in Montr\u00e9al in the presence of His Excellency Norihiro Okuda, Japan\u2019s Ambassador to Canada; R\u00e9mi Quirion, Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s Chief Scientist; Sylvie Beauchamp, President of Universit\u00e9 du Qu\u00e9bec, Michel Audet, Deputy Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie; and a number of other dignitaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cScience and technology issues concern all of us: we must think of them as our own problem and not leave them only to science and technology professionals,\u201d said INRS\u2019s new honorary doctor. \u201cThe STS forum<\/em> has developed from a mere conference into a movement for global leaders in various fields who are united in their commitment to humanity\u2019s future. The STS forum<\/em> is my lifework, which I created to leave as a legacy for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKoji Omi\u2019s career can be summed up in two words: dedication and excellence. He has helped redefine the relationships between science, technology, and society. Having devoted his career to promoting an approach to science that is respectful of nature and society, he has deeply transformed the research landscape and defined the legislative framework governing science and technology.\u201d <\/p>INRS rector Daniel Coderre<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

With the creation of the STS forum<\/em>, Mr. Omi put in place an international network bringing together researchers, decision makers, and business people. Considered the \u201cDavos of the scientific community,\u201d this by-invitation-only forum focuses on the direction science and technology is taking around the globe, while considering ethical and environmental issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Omi has also helped steer the course of science and technology in Japan. He set a new direction for scientific policy with the adoption of Japan\u2019s Fundamental Law of Science and Technology<\/em>, which builds on research as a driver of economic and social development. He also founded the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology<\/a>, an international interdisciplinary university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Koji Omi graduated from the Hitotsubashi University School of Commerce before going on to work for the Ministry of International Trade and Industry for many years and serving as Consul General of Japan in New York City. He subsequently became actively involved in politics. Serving first as member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Omi held the title of minister three times, including portfolios in economic planning, science policy, and finance. His more than fifty year career has been dedicated to public service. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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