“Global environmental problems are problems of human culture” said Dr. Toshitaka Hidaka. He was the first director of the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. This quote encapsulates the essence of what we’re about to explore. The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature is not just another research facility. It is a place where science meets culture. It is a place where people try to find solutions to the complex environmental issues that we face.
Founded in 2001, the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature arose from a growing need. There was a need for comprehensive joint research aimed at solving global environmental problems. The Science Council of Japan highlighted this need in 1995. This led to the establishment of a core research institute. The goal was to promote comprehensive research.
Initially located on the campus of Kyoto University, the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature relocated in 2002. It moved to the former Kyoto Municipal Kasuga Elementary School. Then in December 2005, a new facility was completed in Kamigamo Motoyama. The institute moved to this new location in February 2006.
The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature became a member of the Inter-University Research Institute in 2004. It joined institutions such as the National Museum of Japanese History and the International Research Center for Japanese Studies. This collaboration allows the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature to engage in joint-use activities. These activities include collaborative research, resource sharing, and public lectures.
The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature plays a vital role. It is an institution that conducts multifaceted joint research. The institute positions global environmental research as an issue of human culture. This includes a natural systems approach.
Over the years, the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature has seen several leadership changes. Shigefumi Tachimoto became the second director in 2007. Tetsuzo Yasunari took over as the third director in 2013. In 2021, Juichi Yamagiwa became the fourth director. Each director has contributed to the growth and development of the institute.
In 2023, the Global Environmental Studies Program was established. It is part of the Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI. In 2024, the Research and Education Department was established. Also in 2024, the RIHN Center was reorganized. It became the Fundamental Research Department. The Research Department became the Program Research Department. The Uehiro Research Center for Japan Environmental Studies was also established.
The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of global environmental research. It remains committed to its mission. The mission is to address environmental problems through a combination of scientific inquiry and cultural understanding. This is a place where the future of our planet is being thoughtfully considered.