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Event Date: March 28, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
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Interdisciplinary Networking Event for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Interdisciplinary Networking Event for the Humanities and Social Sciences
The Social Cluster of the Kyushu University Asia-Oceania Institute (QAOS) promotes cross-disciplinary initiatives to explore the research environment surrounding the humanities and social sciences, as well as their connections with society.

We are pleased to relaunch the Interdisciplinary Networking Event for the Humanities and Social Sciences, which was first held by the Japan Association for the Promotion of Science four years ago, under a new framework.

This event aims to identify key challenges in the research environment specific to the humanities and social sciences and to explore possible solutions together with participants.

We warmly welcome not only researchers in the humanities and social sciences, but also anyone interested in these fields and their researchers, including scholars from other disciplines, professionals from industry, and students.

We look forward to your participation.

Date and Time: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 13:00–15:30
Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Format: Online via Zoom
Capacity: 50 participants
How to Apply: Please register in advance via the application form.
*The Zoom link will be sent by email on the day before the event.

Details

1) Event Schedule
13:00–13:05 Welcome and explanation of the rules
13:05–13:20 Session 0: Icebreaker
13:20–13:30 Interval Speech 1
13:30–14:00 Session 1 (Breakout Rooms)
14:00–14:10 Reflection and Sharing
14:10–14:20 Interval Speech 2
14:20–14:50 Session 2 (Breakout Rooms)
14:50–15:00 Reflection and Sharing
15:00–15:10 Interval Speech 3
15:10–15:20 Closing
15:20–15:30 Free Networking and Q&A

2) Session Descriptions
Session 0: Icebreaker
Participants will be divided into breakout rooms for self-introductions and informal conversation. The aim is to create a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easier for participants to connect with one another.

Sessions 1 and 2: Topic-Based Discussions
Participants will be divided into groups according to topics related to the research environment and will discuss their concerns, experiences, and interests. At the end of each session, each group will briefly share a summary of its discussion.

Interval Speeches
Between sessions, there will be short talks of around ten minutes on topics such as research, education, career development, and everyday practical tips. Rather than focusing on highly specialized expertise, these talks are intended to offer participants new perspectives and experiences in an accessible way, serving as a bridge to the next round of discussion.

3) Interval Speakers
Lisa Matsuoka
(Library and Information Science / Analog Game Museum)
Topic: How to Read Academic Papers

Kun Qian
(Psychology / Kyushu University)
Topic: Japanese Academia from a Foreigner’s Perspective

Ayako Hatano
(Law / University of Oxford)
Topic: Moving Between Academia and Practice

4) Discussion Topics
①Graduate School Life, the Doctoral Dissertation, and Studying Abroad
What does daily life in graduate school look like, and how does one progress toward completing a doctoral dissertation?
②How to Choose and Develop a Research Topic
How do you decide on a research topic, and how do you move it forward?
③Research Environment and Funding
What kinds of costs are involved in research, and how do people prepare for them?
④Research Ethics
What are the essential points that researchers must keep in mind?
⑤Journal Submission and Research Output
What are the main difficulties in publishing papers and building a research record?
⑥Research and Teaching
How can research and teaching be balanced, and where does one develop teaching skills?
⑦Academic Job Applications, Research Grant Applications, and Proposal Writing
What matters most when writing application documents and grant proposals?
⑧Science Communication in the Humanities and Social Sciences
How can we communicate the value and interest of humanities and social science research to society?
⑨Gender and Work-Life Balance
What kinds of challenges and strategies arise in balancing research and everyday life?
⑩Career Paths
What kinds of career options are available after graduate school?

5) Format
The event will be held on Zoom, with small-group discussions conducted in breakout rooms.
Each group will be supported by one or two facilitators.

6) Contact
Toru Oga
Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Kyushu University
toruoga0916@gmail.com

Wakako Satomura
Associate Professor, Kyushu University Institute for Asian and Oceanian Studies
satomura.wakako.010@m.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Application Open

Application Starts
Mar 18 2026
Application Closed
Mar 25 2026