Institute of Future Science

Humanity in Space Initiative

As human activities expand their presence in space, we seek to investigate the scientific, technological, and philosophical foundations required to establish new societies on the Moon and Mars. We also explore the implications of these advancements for our planet Earth and how they may transform our societies and reshape our values.

Planetary Wellbeing Initiative

The Earth's environment affects human well-being, and human activities impact the well-being of our planet. We aim to develop mathematical models that account for the dynamic relationship between Earth's well-being and human well-being. Our goal is to foster a science that achieves a balance where human well-being is in harmony with Earth's well-being.

Social Dilemma Initiative

Social challenges seemingly involve inevitable trade-offs, where the improvement of one appears to come at the expense of another. Our approach transcends these trade-offs by seeking solutions that optimize the whole rather than its parts. We explore solutions that go beyond partial optimization by combining humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Social Phase Transition Initiative

Assuming that society undergoes phase transitions in a manner similar to physical matter, what happens at its critical point? Are there triggers or signs that precede a social phase transition? Drawing on examples such as global crisis responses and the diffusion of innovation, this initiative analyzes social phase transitions using mathematical models.

Human Transforming Initiative

To what extent can human beings change? We will explore the potential of physical functional forms, including the limits of human movement, the variety of organ functions, the resilience of the human spirit, and the capacity for hypergrowth in the face of adversity. Additionally, we will address telepathy, considered the ultimate form of communication, using epidemiological studies of quantum entanglement, twins, and parents and their children.

Eating Evolution Initiative

Technology is creating new kinds of food and transforming our experience of eating. The ways our culture and bodies have nurtured the act of eating may offer hints for a future that diverges from the path of mass production. From an interdisciplinary perspective, this initiative explores how society and technology can enrich the significance of eating.

What will the future of work, food, and housing look like? Researchers across the sciences and humanities combine their diverse perspectives to create imaginative visions of the future, expressed through novels, visual works, diagrams, and other forms that inspire creativity.

Science × Art = An Alternative Future

A “laboratory for the city and the future” dedicated to crafting alternative visions of tomorrow that no one has yet imagined, born from dialogue with society. Through talk events, workshops, improvisational theater, art exhibitions, and a wide range of other activities, the hub layers countless hypothetical futures (IFs) upon one another, working toward a tangible and textured vision of the society to come.

“Moshimo“ — a co-creation hub for future knowledge, open to the local community —

DLab⁺ at Institute of Future Science supports multidisciplinary research aimed at exploring alternative futures emerging from collaboration and free exchange of ideas among researchers.

On-Campus Research Grant: DLab⁺ Challenge

Alternative Knowledge For and With Society

Institute of Future Science (IFs) aims to develop alternative forms of knowledge through research initiatives that transcend conventional academic boundaries and integrate the humanities and the sciences, exploring futures that move beyond mere extensions of the present to become genuinely desirable and viable through dialogue with society.

Takeo Fujiwara, Director General