Workshop report: “Transformative Humanities: Purposes, Pressures, Possibilities” held at Kyushu University in collaboration with Durham University

On March 24, 2026, Kyushu University hosted the workshop “Transformative Humanities: Purposes, Pressures, Possibilities” at the Ito Campus in collaboration with Durham University.
The workshop, organized and led by Professor Johan Lauwereyns of the Faculty of Arts and Science Division for Experimental Natural Science, explored the contemporary significance and future directions of the humanities from an international perspective. It also served as the first formal meeting of ThinkNet, a new global network connecting humanities scholars across institutions and countries.
Faculty members participating from Durham University included:

• Professor Alex Broadbent, Department of Philosophy / Faculty of Arts and Humanities
• Dr. Hansun Hsiung, School of Modern Languages and Cultures
• Professor Jonathan Long, School of Modern Languages and Cultures

A dialogue‑driven, highly interactive program

The workshop prioritized active discussion and collaborative reflection. The day began with a Provocation Talk, which examined the social value and “external purpose” of the humanities. During the Lightning Round that followed, participants shared brief insights on local challenges, outdated assumptions, and visions for humanities success in 2030.
Participants then engaged in World Café–style group discussions, rotating among themed stations to explore topics such as: 

• The value of humanities education
• Technology, AI, and curriculum development
• Contributions of the humanities to societal challenges
• Curriculum renewal toward 2030

These sessions generated lively dialogue and a range of practical ideas for future collaboration.

Launch of ThinkNet

The workshop also marked the official kickoff of ThinkNet, a new international network dedicated to:

• Fostering cross-border dialogue on the future of the humanities
• Promoting mutual learning among participating universities
• Rearticulating and communicating the social importance of the humanities

Kyushu University and Durham University will continue to support the further development of this network.

Visit to the Ohashi Campus

On the day prior to the workshop, March 23, 2026, the Durham delegation visited Kyushu University’s Ohashi Campus, where they met with the following faculty members from the Faculty of Design:

• Associate Professor Madoka Yuki
• Associate Professor Nobuhiro Masuda
• Professor Melanie Sarantou

The meeting focused on exploring possibilities for future joint research, opening opportunities for broader academic collaboration across the arts, design, and humanities.

Conclusion

This workshop offered a valuable opportunity to reconsider the role and potential of the humanities in an era of rapid social, technological, and institutional change. Kyushu University will continue to advance research and dialogue on the future of the humanities in close collaboration with Durham University and our broader international networks.

Contact

Workshop Chair: Professor Johan Lauwereyns
Faculty of Arts and Science, Division for Experimental Natural Science
Email: jl★artsci.kyushu-u.ac.jp

International University Consortium Liaison:
Global Partnership and Alliance, International Affairs Division, International Affairs Department
Email: intlsenryaku★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp

※Please replace ★ with @ in the email address.