Addressing and solving complex societal challenges requires the integration and effective application of specialized knowledge from a wide range of disciplines. To achieve this, individuals need the ability to view issues from a broad perspective, visualize complex relationships, and facilitate the integration and decision-making of diverse opinions. In recent years, liberal arts education in Japan, which cultivates these competencies, has attracted increasing attention in graduate education.
This workshop series will bring together university leaders, researchers, and business executives to discuss current approaches to research and education in science and engineering graduate programs, as well as societal expectations for future talent. Through these discussions, participants will explore the question: “What kinds of liberal arts competencies are needed in science and engineering graduate education today?” The series aims to stimulate discussion on the future of graduate education and how it can better prepare individuals to thrive and contribute in society.
Schedule and Speakers:
Session 1
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 9, 3:10 PM–4:40 PM
Speaker: Dr. Kentaro Nishikata, President & CEO, HORIBA Advanced Techno Co., Ltd.
Title: Putting “Joy and Fun for All Life” into Practice: Making the World’s Difficult Problems Easier through the Power of Analysis and Measurement
Session 2
Date & Time: Friday, September 18, 3:10 PM–4:40 PM
Speaker: Prof. Tetsukazu Yahara, Director of Research, Kyushu Open University; Professor Emeritus, Kyushu University
Title: Where Do We Come From, and Where Are We Going?
Session 3
Date & Time: Friday, September 25, 3:10 PM–4:40 PM
Speaker: Prof. Masatoshi Murakami, Associate Professor, Kogakkan University / Visiting Associate Professor, NAIST; Former Diplomat and Former Member of the House of Representatives
Title: My Career and the Liberal Arts in a Time of Global Turmoil
Session 4
Date & Time: Monday, October 5, 3:10 PM–4:40 PM
Speaker: Ms. Tomoko Fujimura, General Manager, Innovation Planning Department, Group Innovation Division, Suntory Holdings Limited
Title: Liberal Arts: The Intellectual Infrastructure for Transforming Specialized Knowledge into Social Value
Session 5
Date & Time: Friday, October 16, 3:10 PM–4:40 PM
Format: Panel Discussion
Venue: Hybrid Format, On-site: CDG Commons, Online: Zoom
Participation Fee: Free of charge (advance registration required)
Language: Japanese (with English subtitles)
Registration: Here
Organized by: Center for Digital Green-innovation (CDG), Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI)