While we might hope that humankind's own development and advances in science and technology would proceed as it were, at the same pace and hand-in-hand; the awareness that they tend to be out of step raises questions of an unprecedentedly modern character, given the fact that society today uses science and technology as very powerful levers for change. While we may value this characteristic of our time, an awareness of the problems involved in "Humankind's development in a techno-society" means addressing both the theoretical and practical levels, the questions raised in a society that is becoming more and more "opaque" owing to the increasing diversity and complexity of its structure. In terms of theory, the major issue we are confronted with today is the need to gain a new kind of awareness regarding the relationships and interdependence that exist between humans, society and nature and to achieve unity and harmony for humans, society, and nature, both individually and as a whole.

The Advanced Research Center for Human Sciences was established with the objective of putting such an approach into practice. Aware of the relationships and interdependence which exist among all phenomena (physical, biological, behavioral, psychological, social, cultural and historical), the Center seeks to elucidate their mechanisms, and to build a research community working together in a way that contributes to the coexistence of humans, society and nature. In order to promote research activities founded on such thinking, the Center, while maintaining close ties with the research and teaching in the Graduate School of Human Sciences and the School of Human Sciences, adopts the project approach in its interdisciplinary research activities, which embrace the various natural, social, cultural, behavioral and sports sciences. In order to enhance the quality of the results of its research and to put those results to practical use, the Center opens its doors wide, welcoming researchers both from elsewhere in Waseda University and from outside the University.