Explanation of the Purpose of Parallel Session A
“New Scientific Knowledge and International Network to Support Global Sustainability” (3)

Hokkaido University’s major sustainability-related university networks

An example of Hokkaido University’s contribution to the establishment and reinforced functions of sustainability networks is outlined below.

∗Participation in the International Antarctic Institute (IAI)
In 2007, the International Antarctic Institute (IAI) was established with the participation of 17 universities in 12 countries aiming to mutually offer graduate courses in antarctic science. As one of its founding members, Hokkaido University has also worked to improve international curriculums concerning cryosphere science and to promote research programs.

∗Participation in ProSPER.NET
In addition, a consortium of universities in the Asia-Pacific region aiming to promote graduate education for sustainable development (ProSPER.Net), a concept discussed primarily at the United Nations University – Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS), was recently inaugurated (June 21, 2008).  Hokkaido University made an active contribution to the establishment of ProSPER.Net, and co-hosted its signing ceremony and related symposiums in Sapporo.

While these networks are centered on education rather than research programs, there is no doubt that international research networks are important in establishing a sustainable global society. As an example, at the Academia Summit held in Beijing between Japan and China under the auspices of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) in March this year, it was suggested that research networks in East Asia would be necessary for sustainable development. It goes without saying that it is imperative for us to develop research networks beyond East Asia to include other regions.

However, to establish a sustainable global society, it is vital to reinforce the practical functions of individual international research networks rather than simply establishing many such networks in various regions or academic disciplines. According to our experience through the activities of the Hokkaido University Initiative for Sustainable Development (HUISD) established by the university in 2005, the development of an infrastructure designed to connect networks of on-campus researcher groups proves effective in terms of the fostering of new partnerships and scientific knowledge. This has been successful because we have established a campus-wide interface concerning sustainability, which has been effective in coordinating work across the campus. When establishing a collection of various independent networks, the creation of a synergetic effect is essential. To this end, it is expected that every university will establish a sustainability center similar to those already put in place by several universities, including those at Hokkaido University, the University of Tokyo and the University of Cambridge, and that these centers will play a vital role in connecting networks.

I believe that universities, countries and regions are implementing a range of programs to consolidate knowledge and establish new scientific understanding as well as international research networks toward the development of a sustainable global society. I hope that Parallel Session A will help to shed light on the programs that are underway in various universities, countries and regions. I also hope that, based on this information, we will be able to discuss the direction that universities should take and the roles they should assume in the future, as well as the elements necessary to make the most of the infrastructure that will connect international research networks.