OrganizationField Science Center (FSC)

Field Science Center (FSC)

The Field Science Center ended its activities in FY2024.
The two overseas satellite offices and Fieldnet are maintained and operated by the ILCAA.

In 2004, the center was tentatively established as a preparatory section within ILCAA. Then, since April 2005, FSC has officially started its activities. The original purpose of FSC is to establish ‘field science’ as a discipline by developing methods of field research in humanities, social and natural sciences. It also serves as a center for systematic accumulation of records of field research conducted by Japanese scholars and for enhanced collaboration and communication between them.

Staff (FY2024)

OTA, Nobuhiro (Center Director), KAWAI, Aya, KUROKI, Hidemitsu, GOTO, Emi, SHINAGAWA, Daisuke, TOKORO, Ikuya, OGATA, Shirabe

There are two main objectives of the FSC.
The first is to develop more theoretically and practically the field survey methods that have characterized the Institute’s research activities, and to construct a “field science” that crosses various academic disciplines. The second is to systematically accumulate survey-related data and to serve as a center for collaboration among researchers involved in on-site surveys.

With the incorporation of national universities, “competition” among universities has been overemphasized, and the cooperative and collaborative relationships among universities, which have been built up over time, may be neglected. The FSC has been established as an organization that effectively exercises the interface function of the FSC.

The end of fiscal year 2009 marked the end of our nearly half-century history as a national joint-use research institute, and our transition to a joint-use/joint-research center in April 2010 has not changed our recognition of this fact. The FSC is committed to expanding the horizons of its research activities, while at the same time recognizing the great responsibility it bears for the work it has been entrusted with.

Planned Activities

Currently, FSC’s activities consist of the following two pillars.

I. Development of theory and practical methods of field sciences

We will hold research meetings as needed to intensively discuss issues such as research methods, data implications, and the relationship between researchers and research subjects, together with researchers in various fields of expertise. In addition, we aim to share and develop new research methods mainly among young researchers specializing in field science “Fieldnet”, which aims to share research methods and develop new ones mainly among young researchers specializing in field science, will continue to be held online and offline.

II. Establishment and operation of local research centers

In order to develop international joint research, we have established a research center in Beirut, Lebanon “Japanese Center for Middle Eastern Studies”, a research center in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia “Kota Kinabalu Liaison Office”, a research center in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, promotes academic exchange and aims to become a leading center for research in this region in Japan.

Successive Center Directors

(Academic Year)

OTA, Nobuhiro

2023-2024

TOKORO, Ikuya

2021-2022

TAKAMATSU, Yoichi

2019-2020

KONDO, Nobuaki

2017-2018

TOKORO, Ikuya

2015-2016

MAJIMA, Ichiro

2013-2014

NISHII, Ryoko

2011-2012

IIZUKA, Masato

2009-2010

KUROKI, Hidemitsu

2005-2008

UCHIBORI, Motomitsu (as a head of a preparatory section)

2004

Regulations

Japanese version only.

Fieldnet

Fieldnet aims to function as a network for researchers who conduct fieldwork, regardless of field or affiliation, to provide each other with information on field and research, and to connect each other’s knowledge.

Specifically, we operate a website and an e-mail newsletter, “Fieldnet News Letter,” for members to share information on fieldwork-related events and publications. In addition, we will link online connections to offline workshops and study groups to provide opportunities to exchange research results, field information, and knowledge on fieldwork methods. In addition, we hold a research event “Fieldnet Lounge” every year, inviting proposals from young members.

Regulations

Japanese version only.