On October 16, 2023, a workshop hosted by Hitotsubashi University and L’École des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS), titled “International Society in Flux and the Role of Collaborative Research in the Social Sciences,” was held on the Kunitachi campus, welcoming the participation of the president and some faculty members from EHESS. The workshop aimed to promote academic collaboration between the two leading universities in social sciences.

The workshop started with speeches by President Nakano Satoshi, Hitotsubashi University, and President Romain Huret, EHESS. Both presidents expressed gratitude for the relationship between the two institutions over the years, and talked about the importance of networking for social sciences research. Moderated by Professor Yuki Miyoda, Vice President Leopoldo Iribarren from EHESS discussed the importance of language as the core of internationalization of research, while pointing out pragmatic and cognitive roles of languages as well: it is a means of communication, objection-raising, and agreement-reaching. Professor Sumie Nakaya from Hitotsubashi University discussed the nature of violence, which necessitates collaborative and multidisciplinary research.

In the Q&A session, twenty-four professors and graduate students from both universities had a lively discussion and emphasized the importance of joint research. To a question on necessary skills and qualities for young researchers, speakers underscored the importance to take a pro-liberal stance.

【Event report prepared by】
Hnin Htet Htet Aung (Master’s student, School of International and Public Policy)