OVERVIEW

Transdisciplinary Network linking Space–Earth Environmental Science, History, and Archaeology (TranSEHA)

The MEXT Joint Usage/Research System Program for Coalition of Universities and Interdisciplinary Research, entitled “Transdisciplinary Network Linking Space–Earth Environmental Science, History, and Archaeology (TranSEHA),” was launched in September 2024, with the Institute for Space–Earth Environmental Research (ISEE) serving as the core institute.TranSEHA is an unprecedented transdisciplinary research initiative that connects space, Earth, environment, and human society through the common dimensions of “time” and “data.” By integrating the natural sciences and the humanities, the program aims to generate new knowledge beyond the boundaries of conventional academic disciplines.
In February 2025, the Office for the Promotion of Transdisciplinary Network (OPTN) was newly established within ISEE. Based at this office, the program collaborates with eight participating institutions: National Museum of Japanese History; Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, Yamagata University; Advanced Asian Archaeological Research Center, Kyushu University; Joint Support-Center for Data Science Research, Research Organization of Information and Systems; The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Research Organization of Information and Systems; Center for Digital Humanities and Social Sciences, Nagoya University; Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University; and Graduate School of Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University. The program also works closely with cooperating institutions, including Marine Core Research Institute, Kochi University and Institute of Frontier Science and Technology, Okayama University of Science, to build a strong research network aimed at realizing a transdisciplinary framework linking space–earth environmental science with history and archaeology.

 

Specific Initiatives

  • We will examine historical documents and archaeological materials to identify evidence of extreme solar storms and quantitatively assess their scale using current mathematical models. This approach will enable us to estimate the potential impact of future extreme solar storms on modern civilization.
  • Using high-precision carbon-14 dating, we will explore past extreme solar storm events, determine their frequency, and develop methods to utilize these events as new chronological markers in historical archaeology.
  • We will measure geomagnetic variations as a benchmark to extend paleomagnetic dating beyond 10,000 years, compare these findings with carbon-14 dates, and establish a comprehensive database.

Expected Outcome

  • Establish a groundbreaking transdisciplinary field that integrates space–earth environmental sciences with history and archaeology, creating a new integrated research network.
  • Achieve preparedness and disaster mitigation for space-related hazards through the quantitative assessment of the impact of extreme solar storms, which occur once every hundred or thousand years, on modern civilization, thereby contributing to the safe and secure use of space.
  • Achieve ultra-high precision dating through the identification of new chronological markers, thereby advancing historical archaeology, enhancing our understanding of disaster history of events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and contributing to prevention.
  • Innovate a new dating method by applying paleomagnetic dating beyond 10,000 years to historical archaeology, facilitating long-term forecasting of geomagnetic variations and space-related disasters.
  • Foster the next generation of international young researchers with a comprehensive perspective in both science and the humanities, contributing to the development of a progressive society that expands into space.

Overview of Core and Participating Organizations

Core Organization

Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research (ISEE), Nagoya University

ISEE is the only Joint Usage / Research Center in Japan that integrates space and earth sciences. We promote various collaborative research projects aimed at pioneering new scientific advancements through the fusion of a broad range of research fields spanning both space and earth sciences.

 

Participating Organizations

National Museum of Japanese History

We conduct high-precision dating research using carbon-14 and dendrochronological methods, thereby enhancing the accuracy of historical narratives in historiography and archaeology.

Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, Yamagata University

The first high-sensitivity Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) system in the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions was introduced in 2010. Since then, we have promoted the development of high-precision radiocarbon (14C) measurements, as well as interdisciplinary education and research based on 14C dating using this system.

Advanced Asian Archaeological Research Center, Kyushu University

We promote interdisciplinary research on buried cultural properties with a focus on Asia, particularly integrating archaeology and paleomagnetism.

Joint Support-Center for Data Science Research, Research Organization of Information and Systems

We promote collaborative data science research across diverse fields. From a data science perspective, we support transdisciplinary research in the humanities and sciences, as well as engagement activities with society related to this project.

The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Research Organization of Information and Systems

As Japan’s leading research institute in statistical and mathematical sciences, the Institute of Statistical Mathematics plays a pioneering role in advancing data-driven research. In collaboration with the Joint Support-Center for Data Science Research (ROIS-DS), it provides cutting-edge statistical and data-science expertise to promote the integration of the humanities and sciences and to enhance the project’s outreach and engagement activities.
Center for Digital Humanities and Social Sciences, Nagoya University

We promote data-driven research through the digitization of historical documents and other related initiatives.

Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University

It comprises five majors: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and geosciences. The goal is to pass on to future generations mathematics and natural science, which have universally supported humanity for centuries. We aim to develop and apply the results of our pursuit of truth to benefit society.

Graduate School of Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University

The mission of the Graduate School is to apply its expertise to diverse fields, to deepen that expertise through the perspective of "coexistence," and to develop highly specialized professionals and researchers capable of building, developing, and carrying on new systems that can contribute practically to addressing various challenges that our society faces in the 21st century.

 

Cooperating Institutions

Institute of Frontier Science and Technology, Okayama University of Science

Marine Core Research Institute, Kochi University

 

Research Center for Cultural Heritage and Texts, Nagoya University

Graduate School of Data Science, Nagoya City University

Institute of Library, Information and Media Science, University of Tsukuba  

College of Environmental Studies, Rikkyo University

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Society, Chuo University