SoMaT is an INTPART (Research Council of Norway) project that investigates “Sociomaterial Transformations” in Norway and East Asia from a Humanities-based Science & Technology Studies (STS) framework on three thematic areas: sustainability, digitalization, and diversity.
From September 20th to 22nd, we proudly hosted an exciting kick-off event for SoMaT Project, bringing together our wonderful members from four esteemed partner universities: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) from Norway, Tsinghua University (THU), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) from East Asia:
- Assoc. Prof. Roger Andre Søraa, Project Leader, NTNU
- Assoc. Prof. Marius Korsnes, Project Leader, NTNU
- Ms. Yu Cheng, Project Manager, NTNU
- Assoc. Prof. Chihyung Jeon, KAIST
- Assoc. Prof. Wei Hong, THU
- Assoc. Prof. Dazhou Wang, UCAS
And of course, we were honored to have Prof. Kayoko Nohara represent Tokyo Tech!
During the open day at the campus, we extended a warm welcome to an array of invited collaborators, including associated researchers, government officials, and public/private partners from relevant fields. This day was made even more special by the esteemed presence of some notable guests, including:
- Her Excellency Ms. Kristin Iglum, Ambassador of Norway to Japan
- Prof. Osamu Watanabe, Vice President, Tokyo Tech
- Prof. Nobuhiro Hayashi, Vice President, Tokyo Tech
- Prof. Jun-ichi Takada, Dean of the School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Tech
The event commenced with an inspiring keynote address from NTNU, followed by guest speakers sharing their insights. We also organized discussion panels and mingling sessions for fruitful engagement among participants!
On close day, we moved it to Shibuya QWS, where the focus shifted to the upcoming details of our collaboration. We had more intensive conversations about the project’s goals, strategies, and timelines.
As we bid farewell to our great partners, we look forward to the exhilarating journey ahead, one that promises to develop solid international, interdisciplinary, cutting-edge knowledge and perspectives in the next five years.
In addition, give our heartfelt thanks to our lovely supporters behind the scenes: the secretaries, Ms. Satoko Ogiuchi and Ms. Ayako Nagasawa, and the student assistants from the Nohara Lab – Tanaka-san, Miura-san, Nagaoka-san, Chia-san, Ai-san, and Kelin-san, thank you very much!
Stay tuned for more updates on SoMaT (www.somat.on)!
