Director, Kyoto University
Institute for the Future of Human Society
Yukiko Uchida
Formation of academic research platforms
Established in 2022, the Institute for the Future of Human Society (IFoHS) represents a university-wide
hub and platform organization for the humanities and social sciences. Bridging the research focusing on
the mind and society done at the Kokoro Research Center with the social dissemination capacity of the Unit
of Kyoto Initiatives for the Humanities and Social Sciences, we have been actively pursuing impactful
social collaboration and research dissemination activities both within and beyond Japan.
As we move
into the 2023 academic year, we have crystallized three guiding principles. Firstly, we aim to create
collective wisdom through interdisciplinary collaboration. Secondly, we are promoting the development of
new research through partnerships beyond academia. Lastly, we aim to amplify our capabilities for sharing
knowledge from the perspective of the humanities and social sciences. Through these principles, IFoHS aims
to elevate the impact and quality of academic work and position ourselves as an international hub that
enhances the global presence of intellectual contributions from the humanities and social
sciences.
Recognizing the growing necessity for integrative research bridging the humanities and
natural sciences, IFoHS has committed to the active exploration and presentation of the values and ethics
essential for desired societies and quality of life. This involves posing critical questions and seeking
answers, a process in which the humanities and social sciences must engage from the outset.
At IFoHS,
we strive to create a platform for academic research that sparks discussion and collaboration. In response
to complex questions regarding future societies and the values we need for a better future, we should
provide not definitive answers, but ‘seeds of answers’. These seeds, derived from deep insights,
field-specific and/or data-driven perspectives, and historical analysis, are cultivated through diverse
dialogues and collaborations.
Envisioning IFoHS as a place of openness,
we welcome diverse perspectives from
academia, industry, and beyond.
Envisioning IFoHS as a place of openness, we welcome diverse perspectives from academia, industry, and
beyond. As we shape our vision for the future, we aim to create an environment where ideas and insights
are freely shared and discussed within and outside of Kyoto University. Through our international
activities, we seek to realize the greater global presence of Kyoto University, and the broader humanities
and social sciences.
In today’s world, we confront numerous complex social issues – the world’s
dwindling energy resources and population problems, socio-economic divides, loneliness, losses to our
ecosystems, and more – to which we cannot easily find solutions. Addressing these challenges requires the
integration of various disciplines, and effective, trustworthy facilitation that draws from deep
experience. Recognizing our responsibility in this process, IFoHS is committed to examining ‘well-being’
in a broader context that encompasses the future of world societies, coexistence with nature, and
interhuman connections and peace of mind. Leveraging the collective strength of Kyoto University and our
broader networks, we are dedicated to pursuing our mission of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. We
deeply appreciate your continued support for our activities.
