I. Promoting Closer Relationship between Members

1.Regular meetings (June and February)

At its general meetings, JCSM reports on its operating plan and budget, and presents lectures on themes of special interest to museum personnel.

2.Research symposium (February)

At its general meetings, JCSM reports on its operating plan and budget, and presents lectures on themes of special interest to museum personnel.

3.Tours of new museums

Tours of newly opened science museums are organized in conjunction with the general meetings and research symposiums.

II. Training Opportunities

1.Curator Training (around October)

In corporation with National Museum of Nature and Science, JCSM provides a four-day program of specialized and practical training for curators. The program covers specimen collection and storage, research, exhibition, education and public relations.

2.Group tour of overseas science museums (around January)

JCSM organizes official 12-day tour to science museums overseas. These training sessions offer opportunities to observe in detail the management, exhibition techniques, education programs, and public relations of science museums around the world.

3.International study visits for young curators

Five young curators are selected on the basis of curriculum vitae and a written essay, to conduct 11-day study visits observing advanced museums overseas. Costs are paid in full by JCSM and outside funding.

III. Information Services

1.JCSM News (issued bi-monthly)

JCSM News is published bi-monthly in Jan., Mar., May., Jul., Sep., Nov., with special features on museum management, exhibitions, education, collection management, research and much more. This newsletter also offers valuable information on trends at overseas museum, and on special exhibitions or new display of member museums.

2.Latest updates on government policy

At general meetings and other events, JCSM provides members with the latest information on government policy regarding museum administration. The information comes from the Lifelong Learning Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the ministry in charge of administrative policy for museums.

3.Science Museum Net

JCSM collaborates in the operation of Science Museum Net, a service provided by the National Museum of Nature and Science.

IV. Collaboration in the Production of Traveling Exhibitions

JCSM works as a coordinator for traveling exhibitions produced by National Museum of Nature and Science, the Japan Science Society, and other organizations, cooperating in recruiting museums and in staging exhibitions. Participating museums are responsible for shipping and other costs, but the exhibits themselves are provided free, making this service extremely valuable in attracting visitors and heightening each museum’s profle.