Research
Last update: 2023-05-23
Transdisciplinary Research Group
In the past, there has been no research on global and complex issues positioned midway between traditional academic research (specialized abilities) and the work of practitioners (practical skills). In the global knowledge society in recent years, the need is increasing for an issue-driven science that engages with such problems, in other words, for Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability. However, there have been no solid foundations laid for this new approach with respect to global and composite issues. If the problems are complex, it is natural that the solutions to these problems will also be complex. In Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability, which presupposes a practical approach and an integration of arts and sciences, after defining the process of reconfiguring fragmented knowledge, the problem is posed and then resolved. For this purpose, composite research groups have been established that can be organized in accordance with the purposes of education and research to flexibly facilitate diverse educational research through unrestricted connections between students and faculty members.
Transdisciplinary Research Group
Earth & Planetary Environmental Disaster Research Group
Research topics:
This research Unit aims to survey (1) natural and anthropogenic (human-caused) disasters induced by geophysical activity, affected by global environmental changes, (2) Space Environment and Space Hazards (3) Protection of cultural heritage (4) Historical disasters and mass-extinction events, in order to prevail their root causes and mitigation measures, to evaluate their human and economical risks, and to archaiving their information into GRAID (Global Repository of Advanced Integrated Dataset).
Member:
YAMASHIKI Yosuke
Website:
http://www.envhazards.org
Network Society Research Group
Research topics:
We use network science to analyze big data on the global interdependence of goods, money, and people flows. We are unraveling the various problems facing modern society from various perspectives, looking for causes and clues to solutions.
(1) Global Economic Complexity: Multi-layer network analysis and nonlinear dynamics of goods flow, capital flow, and labor flow
(2) Next-Generation Capitalism: Blockchain technology and machine and deep learning
Member:
IKEDA, Yuichi / HATSUDA, Tetsuo / AOYAMA, Hideaki / HIDAKA, Yoshimasa / FUJIWARA, Yoshi / IYETOMI, Hiroshi / SOUMA, Wataru / CHAKRABORTY, Abhijit /
Website:
https://www.gsais-nsrg.com/
https://blockchain.innovationkyoto.org/?lang=en
Mindful Living Research Group
Research topics:
The Mindful Living Research Group is a graduate and post-graduate seminar focusing on “mindful living,” in search for the “good life” in the 21st century. Originally a Buddhist concept, the core life-skill of “mindfulness” has become an essential notion at the crossroads of East and West, classical humanities and cognitive sciences, philosophy and medicine. Approaching mindfulness according to the model of the “threefold wisdom” (study, reflection, and practice), we offer a structured program in Buddhist studies (based upon its classical texts and languages), which linked to other major fields (philosophy, anthropology, psychology, education, etc.) through interdisciplinary study, can potentially become applied in the “life-world.”
Member:
Marc-Henri DEROCHE / SEKIYAMA Kaoru / KAWAI Eriko
Website:
https://www.gsais.kyoto-u.ac.jp/trg/mlrg/
Sustainable Economy Research Group
Research topics:
Our main research topic is the transition from the current fossil fuel-based energy system to a renewable energy-based energy system, which is an important dimension of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #7. In particular, by doing fieldwork (questionnaire surveys and interviews) in emerging economies and developing countries, we analyze the drivers and barriers to a larger deployment of renewable energy (RE), and perform sustainability assessments of existing RE projects. In addition, we carry out joint research with the students on topics such as “The motivations and challenges of Japanese cities that have made zero-carbon city declarations”, “Evaluation of the solar energy poverty alleviation program in China”, “Factors explaining the environmental initiatives by the subsidiaries of Japanese companies in Thailand”, among others.
Both faculty and students share the mission to search for solutions to issues related to the sustainable development goals (SDGs), as well as the motivation to apply transdisciplinary research perspectives. Furthermore, our research group holds twice a year workshops open to the public. Anyone interested is welcome to watch the workshop videos on our YouTube channel.
Organizer:
Dimiter S. IALNAZOV
International Development Research Group
Research topics:
The world is facing compounded crises such as pandemics, climate change, and military tensions. International development is becoming increasingly important to realize peaceful and secure societies, take multisectoral approaches against interconnected threats and to promote partnership among stakeholders. This research group engages in activities to broadly and freely discuss development-related issues and challenges and to walk in the field, in line with the interests and research themes of participating students. We also have opportunities for dialogue with experts who are active at the forefront in the international development world.
Member:
MAKINO Koji
Natural Resources and Energy Policy Research Group
Research topics:
Consider solutions to global issues related to natural resources and energy.
In particular, we will conduct research on policy cooperation for the mass introduction of renewable energy in developing countries, and on the business management of electric power utilities in developing countries.
<Photographs>
Project for Development of Clean Energy Transition Roadmap towards Carbon Neutral Society in Cambodia
(Prof. Nagayama is the leader of this project)
KICK-OFF Meeting [March 24, 2023]: at MME(Ministry of Energy and Mines)
Discussion Meeting [April 10, 2023]: at EDC(Electricite du Cambodge)
Member:
NAGAYAMA Hiroaki
Future Wisdom Research Group
Research topics:
We study interdisciplinary methodologies like network algorithms and optimization, machine learning, deep learning, etc, with their connection to learning theory, wisdom and life. We propose Information Wisdom theory with a Wisdom Equation: Wisdom = Learning + Random Choice, and use them to study the limitation, future, expectation and danger of AI, as well as the nature of life, creativity, future life/world.
Member:
ZHAO Liang
Website:
http://aw.gsais.kyoto-u.ac.jp/
YouTube Channel:
Channel
Global Commodity Issues Research Group
Research topics:
Commodities themselves have global issues such as energy, environment, food and water issues. There is also a characteristic that each issue is complicatedly linked to each other. While focusing on these linkages, this research unit aims to solve global issues related to commodities. In addition, in a more comprehensive sense, the unit aims to solve global issues related to commoditized products and systems.
Member:
KANAMURA Takashi / SAKURAI Shigeki
Global Political Economy Research Group
Research topics:
To analyze trans-border complexities of politics, economy, as well as business, and to examine the solutions.The following are examples of research topics that faculty members and students are currently working on in this study group.
(1) Economic interdependence and international order
(2) International movement of highly skilled personnel, immigrants
(3) International assistance, international cooperation & humanitarian assistance
(4) International education, global human development
(5) Impact of climate change, extreme weather and natural disasters on society
(6) Comparative politics
(7) Cross-border disruptive technology business
(8) International ecosystem of venture companies
(9) International competitive advantage of giant platformers
Member:
SEKIYAMA Takashi / YAMAMOTO Yasumasa / FUTSUKI Kota / TSUCHIDA Ryo
Green Chemistry & Circular Economy Research Group
Research topics:
The circular economy is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. Novel innovations are necessary for this circular economy, and we will study and develop new materials focus on Green Sustainable Chemistry.
Some topics to cover:
1. Development of recyclable and degradable plastics and films.
2. Study of ocean plastics.
3. Bio-based polymer developments
4. Green Chemistry Education
5. Insect derived material developments
Member:
SAITO Kei / YAMASHIKI Yosuke
Global Health Design Research Group
Research topics:
Focusing on human health issues, we will challenge novel research that leads to solutions to such issues through various research methods such as statistical and mathematical modelings and interdisciplinary research. We aim to implement the obtained scientific evidence into society as policies and projects.
Some topics to cover:
1. Risk estimation, epidemic dynamics analysis, and policy recommendations for global infectious diseases
2. Estimation of the burden of disease caused by global infectious diseases, estimation of immunization effects, and policy recommendations
3. Estimation of the impact of human migration on the spread of global infectious diseases, and policy recommendations
4. Factors affecting the spillover of zoonotic diseases
5. Assessing the impact of climate change on infectious diseases, including mosquito-borne diseases
6. Child abuse issues
Member:
MIZUMOTO Kenji