OrganizationField Science Center (FSC)

Field Science Center (FSC)

The Field Science Center ended its activities in AY2024.
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 engaged in fieldwork, regardless of field or institutional affiliation, facilitating the exchange of information based on fieldwork and research and fostering connections among researcher’s knowledge and experiences.

Specifically, Fieldnet operates a website and an email newsletter, Fieldnet Newsletter, through which members can share information on fieldwork-related events, publications, and other relevant activities. In addition, the network will link online connections to in-person workshops and study groups, providing opportunities for members to exchange research findings, field-based information, and methodological insight. In addition, we hold research events called “Fieldnet Lounge” every year, inviting proposals from young members.

Regulations

Japanese version only.