Message from the Director

Our society is now facing various problems. To make society sustainable, environmental health, economic stability and individual happiness must be fulfilled simultaneously. Sustainability studies seek solutions for complex and diverse issues in society. GSFS has been offering education on sustainability; however, we will offer students multifaceted educational programs to place philosophy into practice. In addition, for adult citizens outside the university, we will start recurrent educational programs. The center will nurture human resources who can contribute to the goals that the global commons of the University of Tokyo sets.

The objective of GSFS is to explore new approaches integrating various research fields. Reflecting on past outcomes and achievements, we are holding a series of symposiums this year for the graduate school to proceed to the next phase. Every theme of the symposiums responds to society’s needs and seeks new academic fields. Experts will discuss recent social concerns and interests in public: 100 years of longevity, EVs, deep space exploration, sustainability, genome sciences, material creation, etc.

GSFS started a new educational program, Smart City School, for active workers in April 2022. The purpose of this program is to foster innovators who will contribute to digital transformation in various cities and innovation for urban design. The participants can intensively learn the essence of Smart City through lectures, discussion, hands-on workshop on using advanced machines or applications, and field trips. During the first term from April 23 to June 25, the school received 23 participants. The second term will start in October at the satellite buildings in Tokyo and Kashiwa Campus as the main venues.