Events category: Annual Seminar Series

3 December 2021

Gene Technology and Climate Change

Gene technology has enormous potential to bolster our response to climate change. In this webinar, two experts will present on the use of innovative genetic technologies in both animals and plants to address climate change challenges and mitigate some of the consequences for humanity. Professor Kentaro Shimizu talked about his study of wheat in the framework of the 10+ genome international consortium aiming to contribute to “the second green revolution”. Professor George Church then explained how gene technology could be used to bring back long-extinct species, presenting his fascinating project of reviving and restoring the woolly mammoth.

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2 December 2021

Between Man and Machine

The quest for artificial life (ALIFE) has prompted researchers to reconsider their understanding of the nature of life. Professor Ikegami has developed various types of ALIFE systems and has been thinking about the differences between humans and machines (or “what humans and machines have in common”). Advanced technologies and cities are inevitably becoming life-like. Ikegami believes that we have now progressed from the age of AI into the age of ALIFE. In this seminar, Professor Ikegami introduced his current work (some of which is art-related)  and discussed some interesting issues surrounding artificial life. He discussed what it is about life that is lacking in today’s robots, and what lies between man and machine.

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6 December 2021

Astronauts as the Origin of Space Society

Space exploration is becoming more accessible than ever, and an increasing number of people are expected to travel to space in the near future. The idea of humans travelling to and living in space is certainly fascinating, but how is it likely to develop from here? In this seminar, we looked at human forays into space in the past, present and future. Our special guest, astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, talked about her motivations in becoming an astronaut and her experiences of travelling and living in space. She also shared her thoughts about how space travel and living might change in the future.

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15 October 2021

The US Withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Changing Global Power Balance

The withdrawal of all US troops from Afghanistan has altered Asia’s geopolitical map, with potential implications for global power relations with actors like China and Russia. The US is expected to focus more attention on the Indo-Pacific region in years to come, intensifying a potential confrontation with China and increasing the concerns of the international community. How could this affect Japan? In this webinar chaired by Gideon Rachman, the panellists discussed the implications of the Afghanistan fiasco for geopolitics more broadly, including Japan-US-China relations, and the implications in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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16 June 2021

Modern Human Society as seen by Primatologists

The dramatic transition to virtual interaction in recent times, brought about through advances in information technology and pandemic-necessitated social distancing, indicates a change in the rule of thumb for mankind for millions of years: that society is created through continued physical interactions. In this webinar, we looked at the evolution of human beings and explore modern human societies from the perspective of primate societies. Dr Juichi Yamagiwa talked about the parallels between ape societies and human societies while Dr Karen B. Strier talked about the parallels between New World monkey societies and human societies.

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1 January 2021

RETHINK

2020 was a year of extraordinary change. The pandemic has transformed the world dramatically, affecting many aspects of our lives and posing significant challenges for institutions and individuals around the world. It has changed perspectives in many ways, and is making us rethink the future. This year, we would like to go into depth in rethinking existing international frameworks, systems and social models, to understand the nature of the problems that have emerged and examine where we are going, and how we can reach a better future. 

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24 November 2020

The New Global Order after the US Election

The protracted presidential election process has put America in the limelight, with the world watching intently to see who would take the reins and lead this global superpower. In this webinar, Professor G. John Ikenberry discussed how the global order and power balance are likely to be impacted, especially in Asia, with reference to his new book ‘A World Safe for Democracy’ (Yale 2020). Then, Wataru Sawamura, Bureau Chief of The Asahi Shimbun in Washington, shared his thoughts on the impact of the US election on Japan-US relations and Japan’s global position.

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6 November 2020

The future of human-robot interaction

We humans have an innate brain function that enables us to recognise other humans. So very human-like robots – androids – can be ideal vehicles for human-computer interactions. Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro has developed various types of interactive robots and androids in order to study these technologies and understand human nature, and has contributed to establishing Human-Robot Interaction as an area of research. Recently he has been developing and studying autonomous conversational robots and androids, especially focussing on embodiment, emotion and intention/desire of robots and androids. In this webinar, he discussed the society of the future. Professor Oliver Brock then addressed the challenges and obstacles of AI/Robotics.

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30 September 2020

Beyond Coronavirus: The Future of Museums

While the coronavirus pandemic has had wide-reaching financial impacts, the museum sector has been particularly badly hit. It is estimated that one in three of these museums will have to downsize to survive, while 13% may have to close down permanently – this would be the closure of over 10,000 museums worldwide. In further bad news, a recent survey in Britain indicated that almost a third of population would not feel safe returning to museums for a long time, even if they are open. In this seminar, chaired by James Harding, renowned museum directors from the UK and Japan discussed the challenges faced by museums and exhibitions around the world during the current coronavirus crisis.

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25 June 2020

Working remotely with caring responsibilities

Remote work has become increasingly popular worldwide as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, and it looks likely to play a continuing role in the ‘new normal’ once the virus has been successfully tackled. Working from home can give employees greater flexibility, time savings, and increased productivity. But it can also bring new challenges, especially for those with caring responsibilities for children, elderly relatives, or people with disabilities. In this webinar, Ms Jun Mukoyama, Ms Sayuri Daimon and Professor Lynda Gratton discussed the current situation for people in Japan and the rest of the world, through different perspectives.

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