Sociomaterial Transformations in Norway and East Asia (SoMaT)
SoMaT is an INTPART (Research Council of Norway) project that investigates sociomaterial transformations in Norway and East Asia from a Humanities-based Science & Technology Studies (STS) framework on three thematic areas: sustainability, digitalization, and diversity.
Our Mission
SoMaT strengthens international collaboration between researchers and students from Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) with one Japanese, one South Korean, and two Chinese universities to develop solid international, interdisciplinary, cutting-edge knowledge and perspectives. This will be done through investigating entanglements of the social and the material in every day-and organizational life, for which STS perspectives are ideal. We center our research, teaching, and collaboration around thematic areas within our core institutional competencies for understanding contemporary society and how novel science and technology transformations impact society.
Project leader - Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
NTNU's root goes back to 1760 and is the largest single university in Norway with a main profile in science and technology. Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture (KULT), is world-leading in STS research and teaching, as demonstrated through our portfolio of several EU-funded projects, with ERCs, CSA and MSCAs, and RCN-funded projects. We will actively collaborate with these projects in our cross research-focused approach and with new researcher staff exchange to the Asian partners in the project.
The project leaders are Professor Roger Søraa and Associate Professor Marius Korsnes, Project Manager Yu Cheng.
Project partners
Partner Japan: Tokyo Institute of technology (TiTech)
Tokyo Tech is the top national university for science and technology in Japan with a history spanning more than 140 years. Tokyo Tech continues to develop global leaders in the fields of science and technology, and contributes to the betterment of society through its research, focusing on solutions to global issues. The Institute's long-term goal is to become the world's leading science and technology university.
Partner leader: Professor Kayoko Nohara, School of Environment and Society
Partner South Korea: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
KAIST was established in 1971. KAIST is the first and top science and technology university in Korea. KAIST has been the gateway to advanced science and technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and our graduates have been key players behind Korea’ innovations. KAIST will continue to pursue advances in science and technology as well as the economic development of Korea and beyond.
Partner leader: Associate Professor Chihyung Jeon, Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy
Partner China: Tsinghua University (THU)
THU was established in 1911. As one of China’s most prestigious and influential universities. Through the pursuit of education and research at the highest level of excellence, Tsinghua is developing innovative solutions that will help solve pressing problems in China and the world.
Partner leader: Associate Professor Wei Hong, Institute of Science, Technology and Society
Partner China: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS)
UCAS is administered and managed by Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), which was established in 1949. In its development path towards a comprehensive national science center, UCAS is reaching further to explore its potential in the fusion of scientific research and education, in order to build itself into a top world-class university by 2035.
Partner leader: Professor Dazhou Wang, School of Humanities & School of Engineering Sciences
Questions?
Contact NTNU Project Manager Yu Cheng: yu.cheng@ntnu.no to get more information on the SoMaT Project