Advanced Research Center for Human SciencesWaseda University

Director of the Advanced Research Center for Human Sciences

Noriko Toyama

A multitude of challenging and intricate issues confront modern society. The average temperature is increasing annually, and global warming has reached a point where it has been described as “global boiling.” Despite the advancements of the 21^st century, conflicts and discrimination based on age, gender, disability, and birthplace persist. The existence of economic disparities has resulted in the creation of inequalities in the domains of education and health, which have in turn led to the deprivation of a safe and secure environment for the development of many children. The Advanced Research Center for Human Sciences is engaged in research with the objective of providing insights that can inform the development of solutions to these challenges.

The defining feature of research and education at the Faculty of Human Sciences, to which the Advanced Research Center for Human Sciences belongs, is its interdisciplinary nature. It is evident that the lens of a single disciplinary perspective cannot address the aforementioned issues. It is imperative that researchers from a multitude of disciplines unite, contribute their cutting-edge knowledge, and collaborate to address these challenges. The presence of researchers from a multitude of disciplines, each of whom prosses a high degree of expertise, distinguishes the Center. These researchers collaborate extensively to conduct interdisciplinary research activities in the form of research projects.

Another distinctive feature of the Faculty of Human Sciences is its dedication to engaging with and contributing to society. The findings of our research are of significant value when they are returned to society in the form of knowledge transfer. Our Center facilitates commissioned studies and joint research with external organizations and actively collaborates with various regions in Japan, including Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, where the Tokorozawa Campus is located.

Research oriented toward problem-solving often requires the prompt applicability of research outcomes. Nevertheless, the majority of research that subsequently yields significant value originates from fundamental research propelled by the researcher’s intrinsic and intellectual curiosity. Our Center provides a conducive environment for researchers to pursue sustained research with potential value, thereby ensuring that their efforts are not overlooked. Furthermore, one of the research support activities that has been the focus of our attention in recent years is the training of researchers who will spearhead the next generation of research. To enhance our research capabilities, it is imperative to cultivate researchers who will facilitate future research endeavors. It is also of the utmost importance that undergraduate students possess an inclination towards and a genuine desire to engage in research. Similarly, it is vital for graduate students to be able to dedicate themselves fully to research activities without concern for their future prospects. Moreover, it is of paramount importance to guarantee that early-career researchers remain highly motivated in their research pursuits. It is our mission to cultivate a new generation of researchers who will play a pivotal role in shaping the future humanity. To this end, the Center has established research application projects, which bring together early-career researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to collaborate on innovative research proposals. In addition, our Center provides workshops on the composition of research grant applications, thus furnishing researchers with the requisite abilities and understanding to obtain financial support for their projects.

The Advanced Research Center for Human Sciences is committed to addressing the challenges posed by an increasingly complex society through excellence in research that transcends the boundaries of traditional academic specialties. To fulfill this mission, the Center will continue its research endeavors.

(September 24, 2024)