Environmental Science Center

Hirochika SUMINO

The Environmental Science Center (ESC) is a university-wide organization that promotes interdisciplinary research in environmental safety science. Its mission is to enhance the level of safety in research and education environments across all academic disciplines, whether in the humanities or the sciences, and to disseminate the outcomes of these efforts both domestically and internationally. The ESC also plays a critical role in managing and providing education on environmental safety, which is a fundamental infrastructure necessary to support the advancement of free academic research throughout the university. Through these activities, the Center lays the foundation for the University of Tokyo to become a globally competitive institution for research and education, while also contributing to the university’s compliance as a legal entity. As the University of Tokyo undergoes organizational reform aimed at further advancing its status as a world-leading institution for research and education, the ESC—now in its 50th anniversary year—must continue to fulfill its core mission while further promoting vigorous research and educational activities.
Since the beginning of its third phase in 2013, the ESC has increased the number of jointly appointed faculty members and strengthened collaboration with other departments, including the University Environmental Safety Headquarters, to advance environmental safety management and education. I have served the ESC as one such joint-appointed faculty member since 2017, while holding my primary appointment at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, and have been conducting environmental safety training on the Komaba Campus and participating in the Center’s education working group. In this context, I believe there is significance in the fact that, as a jointly appointed faculty member, I have been appointed Director of the ESC, effective April 1, 2025. The strength of jointly appointed faculty lies in the ability to view the Center’s activities from a broader, more objective perspective and to formulate future strategies based on both internal operations and external trends. As Director, I will work closely with all faculty and staff, both full-time and joint-appointed, to ensure close coordination with university headquarters, other departments, and stakeholders both within and outside the university, in Japan and abroad. In doing so, I will uphold the Center’s original mission to implement advanced environmental safety research, education, and management across the entire university, while also considering and promoting necessary reforms in response to changing circumstances. In particular, I believe it is essential to reinforce the ESC’s role not only as a department responsible for practical management and education but also as a hub for interdisciplinary research. For instance, I intend to promote initiatives that leverage the unique research strengths of both full-time and joint-appointed faculty members by launching collaborative research projects that enhance the Center’s research capabilities.
At the same time, we must remain vigilant to ensure that the pursuit of efficiency in research outcomes across the university does not compromise safe work practices or the proper management of chemicals and waste. Ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards is crucial, as is gaining the trust and acceptance of society, including local communities surrounding the university. As Director of the ESC, I will strive to provide constructive proposals and take a principled stance, speaking up when necessary, so that the University’s new research and educational endeavors contribute to improving environmental safety and public trust.
Although the ESC is a small organization, it plays a wide-ranging and critically important role, bearing a heavy responsibility. I am deeply aware of the weight of this responsibility as I assume the position of Director, but I am fully committed to fulfilling the Center’s mission and contributing to its continued growth. I sincerely ask for your guidance, support, and cooperation.