【Feb 11th@Centennial Clock Tower Memorial Hall】L-INSIGHT Career Program – Cyber-Physical Systems and Law: Through the Lens of “Pluriverse”
Fourth Session of Life as a Scholar “Your home and beyond” Series
About the Series
In recent years, faced with the emergence of global agendas, many early career researchers may be turning their attention to solving social issues in the international society through their research themes and career. In this series, early career researchers who are active on the global arena will share their perspectives based on their own experiences as examples and discuss with participants strategies on how to look forward to careers and research issues balancing between the whole and the individual and between competition and coexistence.
About the Fourth Session
Technology and natural environments are changing at astonishing rates. Many people recognize that these changes are the products and consequences of human activities and reversely exert positive and negative impacts on human societies, transcending national boundaries. If it is, however, not realistic for us to address global issues in cooperation toward a shared human value, how countries and areas with different values and systems can manage the situation effectively as a whole? In this fourth session, four experts will discuss with you how to design and implement shared mechanisms among autonomous countries in this pluralistic world to maintain balance when cyber-physical systems are growing. Join us to shape the future of science and technology.
Japan’s 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan declared the promotion of Society 5.0. The Cabinet Office of Japan states that the key to realizing this is the fusion of cyberspace and physical space and the value of a human-centered society. Science and technology policy no longer simply aims to expand technological capabilities to maintain national power, but now presents a vision of the ideal society.
This vision of the ideal society, however, is not a goal that can be achieved solely within a nation. Climate and energy issues transcend national borders, and innovative information infrastructure technologies are integrating physical and cyber spaces, encompassing everything from space to the ocean. Against this backdrop, calls for intergovernmental discussions and the active involvement of researchers in government are growing worldwide. Nevertheless, considering the diverse environments and cultures around the globe, it seems difficult to reach a consensus on a common “vision of the ideal society” or governance. It is now crucial for individual researchers to take the initiative to address the issues and drive the future of science and technology.
Furthermore, it is extremely difficult to envision an ideal society in this fluid world. The specific details of “the fusion of cyberspace and physical space” mentioned above, for example, are unknown. The concept of a “human-centered society” where individual citizens play a central role in decision-making also lacks a clear roadmap on how it can be realized through “the fusion of cyberspace and physical space.” At a more fundamental level, advancements in robotics and genetic engineering are blurring the boundaries between humans and artificial objects, causing the very definition of ‘humanity’ of human beings that constitute society to fluctuate and expand. Furthermore, given the dire environmental consequences of human activities, we must move beyond anthropocentrism, which views humans as superior beings, and reconsider our relationship with nature to incorporate it into our societal vision.
Despite these unresolved issues, countries are promoting mission-oriented research and development policies* towards their respective vision of the ideal society. The promotion of cyber-physical systems (CPS), in particular, is expected to have a significant social impact, and there is an urgent need to establish a framework of international rules for management and operation.
In the fourth session of this series, we will discuss with four experts the challenging task of building a theoretical and practical framework for international cooperation to support the transition to a society where CPS are prevalent, based on the premise of the coexistence of autonomous communities.
*Examples of Japanese initiatives aimed at achieving Society 5.0 include the Moonshot-type R&D system and the Strategic Innovation Creation Program (SIP).
Information
| Date and Time | Tuesday, 11th February 2025 (public holiday) Part 1: 13:00−16:50｜Part 2: 16:50−17:30 |
| Venue | International Hall III, Kyoto University Centennial Clock Tower Memorial Hall 2F |
| Participants | Graduate students, postdocs, researchers, URAs |
| Event Format | On-site (group discussion) / Online (on Zoom; accepting comments) |
| Language | Japanese & English (simultaneous interpretation available)） |
| Registration Fee | Free |
| Registration | https://forms.gle/qVXbPrsX1Baxumw67 Registration deadline: Monday, 10th February 2025 at noon Registration for on-site participation may close before the deadline due to capacity constraints. |
Timetable
〈Opening remarks〉13:00−13:05
ISHIKAWA Fuyuki [Vice-President for Academic Research Support, Kyoto University / Director of Kyoto University Research Administration Center (KURA) / Director of Center for Enhancing Next-generation Research]
〈Part 1〉Symposium｜13:05−16:50
Cyber-Physical Systems and Law: Through the Lens of “Pluriverse”
——Introduction｜13:05−13:10
NAKANO Asa [Center for Enhancing Next-generation Research, Kyoto University]
——Governance of Cyber-Physical Systems｜13:10−13:50
INATANI Tatsuhiko [Graduate School of Law, Kyoto University]
“Governance of CPS Through the Co-evolution of Science and Technology and Law”
Aiming for coexistence between human and non-human beings
Russell Loveridge [The Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) in Digital Fabrication in ETH Zurich]
“Challenges for the Development and Implementation of CPS as a National Strategy”
With a perspective on research and development and distribution that integrates architecture, AI, and robotics
——Governance in Pluriverse｜13:50−14:30
MEGURO Maiko [Digital Agency, Government of Japan / University of Amsterdam]
“Challenges for Agile Governance as It Transcends National Borders”
With a perspective on the “Pluriverse” through DFFT negotiations
Federico Luisetti [University of St. Gallen]
“Issues in the Development of Science and Technology in the Pluriverse”
With a perspective on Cyber-Physical systems viewed through the lens of decolonial ecologies
——Break｜14:30−14:45
——Group Discussion with Speakers｜14:45−15:40
◆Group Facilitators
NISHIDA Masayuki [Center for Liberal Arts, Tohoku Gakuin University / Japanese Studies Center, Chiang Mai University]
HAYASHI Kazuki [Division of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University / L-INSIGHT Fellow]
OKITA Kyoko [Center for Exploratory Research, Research & Development Group, Hitachi, Ltd.]
FUKUMOTO Kenshi [Department of Studies on Global Coexistence, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University / L-INSIGHT Fellow]
YASUI Hiroshi [Center for Innovative Research, National Institutes for the Humanities / Multiculturalism and Intersectionality in Complex Cities, Doshisha University]
——Plenary Discussion｜15:40−16:50
Moderator
INATANI Tatsuhiko
〈Part 2〉Networking & Refreshments｜16:50−17:30
Enjoy free refreshments from Maeda Coffee!
Toast
HIRAJIMA Takao [Director of Kyoto University Division of Graduate Studies]
Profiles
Prof. INATANI Tatsuhiko
Professor, Graduate School of Law, Kyoto University
Tatsuhiko Inatani is a Professor at the Graduate School of Law, Kyoto University, with a specialization in criminology and criminal policy. He is the principal investigator of the “Artificial Intelligence and Law” research unit at the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of Law and Policy. He received his BA (2005) from the University of Tokyo and JD (2008) from Kyoto University. After serving as an Assistant Professor and an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Law, Kyoto University, he has been in his current position since 2021. He conducted research as a visiting researcher at the Law School, Paris Institute of Political Studies and the Department of Political Science, University of Chicago from 2013 to 2015. His research focuses on corporate crime and the legal governance system for cutting-edge technology. He is serving as a member of the Digital Institutional Reform Study Group, the International Data Governance Advisory Committee, and the International Data Governance Study Group at the Digital Agency.
https://kdb.iimc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/profile/en.27cb4dbb9351f35d.html
Dr. Russell Loveridge
Managing Director of the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) in Digital Fabrication in ETH Zurich
Russell Loveridge studied civil engineering and architecture, completed his professional degree in Toronto, his MAS Diploma in Architecture at the ETH Zurich, and obtained his doctorate at the EPF Lausanne Switzerland. He has worked professionally in construction and architecture, but also has extensive experience in academics and was previously the Research Director at the Laboratory for Architectural Production (LAPA). His research investigates advanced fabrication methods, smart materials, and novel construction techniques all with a specific interest on how these emerging technologies affect processes of sustainable design. Since its inception in 2014 Russell has coordinated the NCCR’s multi-disciplinary team of over 120 researchers, engineers and technical staff, helping to develop one of the most advanced research consortiums worldwide that focus on changing the way we design and build.
Research keywords: digital fabrication, robotics, extended reality, human computer interaction, artificial intelligence, collaboration, interdisciplinary, sustainability, research culture, extended intuition.
MEGURO Maiko
Director for International Data Governance and International Affairs, Digital Agency, Government of Japan / Research Fellow at University of Amsterdam
Maiko Meguro internationally represents the Agency for G7/G20, OECD and other bilateral strategic partnerships on behalf of the Digital Agency. She also leads the policy development and inter-agency coordination regarding international data governance/Data Free Flow with Trust and data security. Previously, as Director of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), she led the G7 Digital Track and Data Free Flow with Trust during the G7 Japanese presidency. From 2018 to 2021, she served as a legal officer at DG CONNECT, the European Commission. She is also a research fellow of public international law and legal theories at University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. She publishes from major American, European and Japanese legal journals on international law, international economic law, and law & technologies (Artificial Intelligence, data etc).
Prof. Federico Luisetti
Full Professor of Italian Studies and Environmental Humanities, University of St. Gallen
Federico Luisetti studied Aesthetics at the University of Turin and then received a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the Graduate Centre, City University of New York. He has been Professor of Italian Studies, Communication, and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is currently Professor of Italian Studies and Environmental Humanities at the University of St. Gallen. Luisetti is the author of books and essays on critical theory and the environmental humanities, including Nonhuman Subjects. An Ecology of Earth-Beings (Cambridge University Press 2023). He coordinates the collaborative research network in political ecology Unruly Natures: https://unrulynatures.ch/
Research keywords: decoloniality, pluriverse, geopower, Anthropocene.
Dr. NISHIDA Masayuki
Junior Associate Professor, Center for Liberal Arts, Tohoku Gakuin University / Visiting Assistant Professor, Japanese Studies Center, Chiang Mai University
NISHIDA Masayuki received his Ph.D. degree at Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. He worked at the Japanese Studies Center at Chiang Mai University in Thailand as deputy director during the period from 2015 to 2018, then moved to Cairo University in Egypt as a Visiting Associate Professor. He has been in his current position at Tohoku Gakuin University teaching anthropology since 2023. He has been conducting field research in Southeast Asia, mainly northern Thailand. His recent research interests are spirit beliefs, political ecology, forest conservation, minorities, popular culture and Japan studies.
Research keywords: anthropology, Southeast Asia, political ecology, spirit beliefs, minorities, popular culture
Dr. HAYASHI Kazuki
Assistant Professor of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University / L-INSIGHT Fellow
Kazuki Hayashi is a researcher and programmer at the intersection of architectural design and structural engineering. His research aims to revolutionize design and construction processes through novel computational methods, not only to support architectural designers and structural engineers. He obtained a Master of Engineering and Ph. D. at Kyoto University. His dissertation was about the application of machine learning to the design of skeletal structures, such as trusses and frames. During his Ph. D., he studied at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) as a visiting student. From September 2023 to August 2024, he is an invited researcher at École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC). He is also a 1st-Class Kenchikushi, an officially qualified Japanese architect and building engineer.
Research keywords: structural optimization, computational design, machine learning.
https://www.hayashikazuki.net/
https://kdb.iimc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/profile/en.f8d6361fcbde9e34.html
OKITA Kyoko
Senior Manager, Center for Exploratory Research, Research & Development Group, Hitachi, Ltd
Through the envisioning of future societies or “vision design” and dialogue and co-creation with diverse stakeholders including citizens, NPOs, and government, she is engaging in exploratory research trying to delve into the root of problems. She has fostered projects such as “Dialogue to Explore the Meaning of Life,” a research project on future-oriented medical and care for well-being, a project to promote disability inclusion, and an open innovation project at the intersection of quantum research and art. She is a fellow of the Engineering Academy of Japan, serving as the deputy secretary of the Policy Recommendation Committee project “Engineering Ethics and Education for the Peace and Better Survival of Humanity.” She is also a member of Future Center Alliance Japan BAO (Ba Architect Office) and a member of the Expanding Infrastructure Project Working Group promoted by the president of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers in FY2024.
Research Keywords: future center, vision design, open collaboration, inclusion, project planning.
https://social-innovation.hitachi/en/article/imirai/
https://rd.hitachi.co.jp/_ct/17688917
Dr. FUKUMOTO Kenshi
Associate Professor of Studies on Global Coexistence, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University / L-INSIGHT Fellow
Kenshi Fukumoto was appointed to his current position in April 2024. His major is history, more specifically, the study of modern and contemporary Polish history. Poland had been partitioned by Russia, Prussia, and Austria at the end of the 18th century and lost its independence until 1918. He was interested in how Polish society had changed during the ‘long’ 19th century and submitted a dissertation for a doctoral degree focusing on medical doctors. Recently, He published the monograph, “Social Engagements of Medical Doctors: Building Poland and Rank-and-File Intelligentsia (1890-1920)” (Kyoto University Press, 2024), and he is currently focusing on environmental history to further develop his research. As an L-INSIGHT fellow he hopes to work on building an international network of researchers and deepening collaboration between academia and society through the research projects.
Research keywords: history, Eastern Europe, medicine, environment, technology.
Dr. YASUI Hiroshi
Research Fellow, Center for Innovative Research, National Institutes for the Humanities / Research Fellow, Multiculturalism and Intersectionality in Complex Cities, Doshisha University
Hiroshi Yasui received his Master’s degree in 2017 and his Ph.D. in 2023 from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the University of Tokyo. Specializes in Israeli area studies, gender and sexuality studies, and critical animal studies. Publications include “Vegan nationalism?: the Israeli animal rights movement in times of counter-terrorism” (Settler Colonial Studies 14(1), 2022) and others. He is interested in how Israel’s politics of sex and animals, particularly pinkwashing and veganwashing, have been linked to national superiority, nationalism, and colonialism.
Research keywords: Israel and Palestine studies, critical animal studies, queer theory, gender and sexuality.
Contact
Office of the Program for the Development of Next-generation Leading Scientists with Global Insight (L-INSIGHT), Kyoto University
Phone: 075-753-5916
Email: admin-l-insight[a]mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp *Please change [a] to ＠
Organizers
Kyoto University Center for Enhancing Next-generation Research
Kyoto University Division of Graduate Studies
