menu

Foreword by Director

Updated: 2023/03/31

Our institute RISH has been continuing research on Humanosphere Science for 18 years since its establishment in 2004. We define the “humanosphere” as an essential space that is indispensable for human activities while trying to precisely diagnose and assess its current status. The aim of Humanosphere Science is to propose solutions to the diverse issues we are now facing with an inclusive view, thereby creating a human society capable of sustainable development. This has prompted our vigorous efforts to explore new interdisciplinary fields of research.

At the establishment of RISH, we coined the word “Sustainable Humanosphere” from the need for a new term that concisely describes the sustainable development of society including environment, energy and resources. The Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the United Nations in 2015, so we were 10 years ahead in pursuing similar objectives.

Specifically, we define the following five missions as crucial themes to address: Mission 1: Environmental Diagnosis and Regulation of Circulatory Function; Mission 2: Advanced Development of Science and Technology towards a Solar Energy Society; Mission 3: Sustainable Space Environments for Humankind; Mission 4: Development and Utilization of Wood-based Sustainable Materials in Harmony with the Human Living Environment; and Mission 5: Quality of the Future Humanosphere. Based on results from these five missions, we aim to contribute toward the sustainability of the humanosphere in which humankind lives.

As an approved Joint Usage/Research Center for the science of the humanosphere, RISH is equipped with a number of superior research facilities, such as atmosphere radars, large radio anechoic chambers, a supercomputer for space/radio sciences, test facilities for structural performance of wooden components, analytical systems for the development of plant and biomass materials, a greenhouse for the study of transgenic plants, and systems for studying wood-deteriorating organisms. The Database for the Humanosphere, composed of observational data and collection of wood specimens, is also available. We open these assets to both domestic and foreign researchers to promote collaborative research and become the central hub of Humanosphere Science.

The range of research works at RISH has become so wide, and now our outcome expands to all research categories that are defined by the KAKENHI grants. Many of our efforts in collaborative research are also highly evaluated. Meanwhile, there is still increasing expectation for innovation in Humanosphere Science. In reaction to this, we reorganized RISH to establish the Center for Future Pioneering Research on the Humanosphere. The new center sets several units that concentrate on research activities, and seeks to foster innovative research that involves different disciplines and expertise. Additionally, the overall management of cooperative projects is assigned to the Committees of Collaborative Research Programs for further efficiency.

The set up of the new operating framework has been mostly completed, we will continue to actively expand the field of Humanosphere Science in cooperation with related communities inside and outside Japan. We look forward toyour valuable assistance, support and participation.

Mamoru Yamamoto
Director

List of Directors

Gokasho, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. 611-0011
Telephone: +774-38-3346 Facsimile: +774-38-3600
E-mail: webmaster@rish.kyoto-u.ac.jp