Evolutions in knowledge production policy and practice in Japan: a case study of an interdisciplinary research institute for disaster science

Abstract

This paper examines shifts in the knowledge production policy agenda at Japanese research universitiesa transition from discipline-based academic tradition towards interdisciplinary forms of knowledge productionthrough a case study of a leading interdisciplinary research institute. We examine this transition through the case of Tohoku University, one of seven 'Designated National Universities', and its flagship International Research Institute of Disaster Science. Documentary analysis revealed a renewed emphasis on interdisciplinarity, evident in restructuring towards a 'blended hybrid' model to reconcile the different institutional logics of diverse research traditions among its staff. Interviews with key stakeholders uncovered the internal dynamics of this process, its barriers and opportunities. We conclude with implications for Japanese higher education, arguing that a shift to 'blended hybrid' institutional forms is necessary but insufficient to maintain successful interdisciplinary research institutes. Success is contingent on simultaneous commitment to sustainable international connections and relationships with diverse external stakeholders.

“It’s something that I do every day.” Exploring interdisciplinarity and stakeholder engagement in tsunami science

“…IRIDeS was established in the aftermath of the 2011 East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami with a strong focus on multidisciplinarity (Imamura et al, 2019). To assess opportunities and limitations of IRIDeS's approach, Yonezawa et al (2019) conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 researchers. They conclude that the integrated research focus alone was not sufficient to enable truly interdisciplinary work.…”

“…Knowledge production across disciplines typically relies on integrating mechanisms, which provide a unifying framework (such as a model or a static or dynamic map) and allow researchers to more easily collaborate (Sarewitz and Pielke, 2001). For disaster response, Ge et al (2019) propose data collection as an integrating mechanism. Gilligan (2019) suggests that collaborative fieldwork could serve as an integrating mechanism in disaster research.…”

“…For disaster response, Ge et al (2019) propose data collection as an integrating mechanism. Gilligan (2019) suggests that collaborative fieldwork could serve as an integrating mechanism in disaster research. More research is needed, however, to understand the mechanisms that integrate tsunami researchers and provide them with a shared understanding of their field.…”

The Role of Higher Education Policies in Science Production (Case Study; Graduate Degrees in University)

“…According to the results, there is evidence for higher education policymakers that they have emphasized increasing access to investment in higher education and reducing subsidies to it. Yonezawa et al . (2020), in their study on the evolution of knowledge production policy in Japan and focusing on interdisciplinary research universities, examined the role of higher education policies in the transition from discipline-based academic tradition to multidisciplinary forms of knowledge production.…”

The Emergence of Transdisciplinary Research and Disaster Science

“…The use of disaster science (DS) as a concept to designate a scientific field of study is relatively new. It is becoming institutionalized very rapidly through the ongoing attempts to establish a transdisciplinary Research Institute for Disaster Science at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan (Yonezawa et al, 2019). Other moves toward institutionalization include the founding of the journals Progress in Disaster Science in 2019 and the Journal of Disaster Science in 2016, and in 2014, the creation of the Disaster Science Research Initiative to Enhance Responder Safety and Health to encourage transdisciplinary research (TR) on health-related issues associated with disasters, as part of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.…”