The 17-Article Constitution for Visiting Researchers to Collaborate with Local Communities

 These articles are set up so that each article corresponds to the "17-Article Constitution of Prince Shotoku" that is known by "all" Japanese. However, there are some that have almost the same purpose (bold below), some that can be said to correspond, and some that are rather the opposite (italicized below). We are in the position of recommending decentralization, although we think that Prince Shotoku's was an instruction to bureaucrats posted to local areas to promote centralization, rather than for local people. However, in terms of grasping the people's sympathy, we have much to learn from them. Today's bureaucrats probably receive a similar guidance, but researchers enter the region without such training and, possibly change their behavior through their own experience. The guidelines such as these would be necessary.

1. To value harmony above all else, and not to start quarrels.
2. Find solutions based on the voices of the local, the views of the government, and the knowledge of scientists.
3. If a consensus is reached in the community, we will respectf and follow it.
4. Be courteous to the people whose opinions is not agreeable.
5. Don't be concerned about some financial burden.
6. Do not take scientific findings as absolute.
7. Expect and believe people, but do not ask too much of people.
8. Don't give up on a task that you have once accepted.
9. Explain honestly without deceit, even if it is inconvenient to the community.
10. Discuss calmly and constructively.
11. Explain the research outcomes to the community
12. Remind the possibility that the interests of the researcher and the interests of the community are different.
13. The researcher should know the history of the community's efforts.
14. The researcher should present the best scientific findings to the community without new or valuable research outcomes.
15. The researcher contacts with the local community for a long time.
16. Adapt to the pace of the community and do not rush too much
17. Discuss decisions thoroughly and do not make them alone.

This is originally written in Japanese shown in Matsuda's blog of September 24, 2010

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