Global GatewaysKyushu and Durham University Researchers Jointly Issue Statement on Transformative Humanities
Kyushu University and Durham University researchers have jointly issued the Kyushu-Durham Statement on Transformative Humanities, presenting a shared vision for the future of the humanities. The statement has been released simultaneously by both institutions as a joint outcome of their ongoing collaboration.
The statement builds on discussions from the workshop “Transformative Humanities: Purposes, Pressures, Possibilities,” held on March 24, 2026, at Kyushu University’s Ito Campus. The event brought together scholars from both universities to engage in dialogue on the evolving role of the humanities in a time of rapid social, technological, and institutional change.
➡️ Read the workshop report: https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/697
From Workshop Dialogue to Shared Commitment
Designed as an interactive, discussion-oriented forum, the workshop featured a Provocation Talk, lightning presentations, and World Café-style sessions. Participants exchanged perspectives on key themes such as the social value of the humanities, the impact of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, and future directions for education and research.
The newly issued statement reflects these exchanges and captures a shared understanding of current challenges, core values, and future directions for the humanities.
A Shared Vision for Transformative Humanities
While the full statement provides a detailed articulation, it broadly emphasizes the need for the humanities to engage more actively with society, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and respond to changing educational and technological environments.
It highlights the importance of clearly communicating the value of humanities scholarship and fostering education that connects academic inquiry with wider social contexts.
Looking Ahead
The publication of this joint statement marks an important step in deepening collaboration between Kyushu University and Durham University. Through continued engagement, researchers from both institutions will work to advance the concept of transformative humanities—an approach that connects rigorous academic inquiry with meaningful contributions to society.
➡️ Read the full Kyushu-Durham Statement on Transformative Humanities:
Kyushu-Durham Statement
Contact
・Professor Johan Lauwereyns
Faculty of Arts and Science, Division for Experimental Natural Science
Email: jl★artsci.kyushu-u.ac.jp
・Global Partnership and Alliance, International Affairs Division, International Affairs Department
Email: intlsenryaku★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp
*Please replace ★ with @ in the email address.
The statement builds on discussions from the workshop “Transformative Humanities: Purposes, Pressures, Possibilities,” held on March 24, 2026, at Kyushu University’s Ito Campus. The event brought together scholars from both universities to engage in dialogue on the evolving role of the humanities in a time of rapid social, technological, and institutional change.
➡️ Read the workshop report: https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/697
From Workshop Dialogue to Shared Commitment
Designed as an interactive, discussion-oriented forum, the workshop featured a Provocation Talk, lightning presentations, and World Café-style sessions. Participants exchanged perspectives on key themes such as the social value of the humanities, the impact of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, and future directions for education and research.
The newly issued statement reflects these exchanges and captures a shared understanding of current challenges, core values, and future directions for the humanities.
A Shared Vision for Transformative Humanities
While the full statement provides a detailed articulation, it broadly emphasizes the need for the humanities to engage more actively with society, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and respond to changing educational and technological environments.
It highlights the importance of clearly communicating the value of humanities scholarship and fostering education that connects academic inquiry with wider social contexts.
Looking Ahead
The publication of this joint statement marks an important step in deepening collaboration between Kyushu University and Durham University. Through continued engagement, researchers from both institutions will work to advance the concept of transformative humanities—an approach that connects rigorous academic inquiry with meaningful contributions to society.
➡️ Read the full Kyushu-Durham Statement on Transformative Humanities:
Kyushu-Durham StatementContact
・Professor Johan Lauwereyns
Faculty of Arts and Science, Division for Experimental Natural Science
Email: jl★artsci.kyushu-u.ac.jp
・Global Partnership and Alliance, International Affairs Division, International Affairs Department
Email: intlsenryaku★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp
*Please replace ★ with @ in the email address.