Graduate Education

Global Environmental Studies Program, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI

The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, a world-leading international graduate university, is committed to education and research and operates in close partnership and collaboration with affiliated inter-university research institutes which contribute to the promotion of collaborative research among researchers across the country.

Global Environmental Studies Program is located at Research Institute for Humanity and Nature in Kyoto, Japan.

Message from Chair of Program

KONDO Yasuhisa, Chair, GES Program

Our program’s name, Global Environmental Studies, misses the first word sõgõ(comprehensive or convergent) of the original Japanese name. In the contemporarycontext, this wording of sõgõcan be interpreted as a commitment to address the wickedproblems associated with the global environment by integrating knowledge from alldisciplines and domains. Not only knowledge from the humanities, social sciences, andnatural sciences but also local traditional knowledge and social wisdom are integratedto co-create new knowledge that contributes to solving problems. This is a rare graduateprogram worldwide that provides the theoretical frameworks and methodologies topioneer such a holistic approach. Enrolled students will deepen their understandingof global environmental studies through the coursework tailored to their individualinterests, and through participation in RIHN’s project-based collaborative research.Consequently, they will explore uncharted issues and write their dissertations. Thedoctoral degree obtained through this journey will serve as a “passport” certifying themas independent researchers with a holistic scope of global environmental studies.

To support students in achieving their degrees, we, the faculty members, provide guidance and supports as a team. Regardless of their diverse fields of expertise, all faculty members have experience challenges at the interface between academia and society. Based on this experience, we will provide unwavering support to each student challenging uncharted problems.

Come and join us at RIHN to get your PhD!