APSI launches environmental network with workshop in Jeju
by Jieun Cho, APSI postdoctoral associate
The APSI Environmental Futures in Asia Network (EFAN) was established with three principal objectives: supporting emerging scholars in advancing their research agendas, facilitating interdisciplinary conversations on methods and theories related to environmental topics in Asia, and cultivating ethical collaboration by connecting scholars with local practitioners, researchers, and activists.
Cosponsored and coorganized by Duke’s Asian/Pacific Studies Institute (APSI) and Jeju National University’s (JNU) Research Center on the Commons and Sustainable Society, the inaugural workshop on Jeju Island represented a major step toward achieving these ambitious goals.
Participants shared their own research across four thematic panel discussions which formed the core of the workshop. Representing a broad array of disciplines—including history, anthropology, political science, sociology, public policy, philosophy, law, and science and technology studies—they reflected on the methodologies and approaches to their work on environmental topics and engaged in rich, cross-disciplinary dialogues.
Site excursions, a particularly innovative approach of this workshop, offered an invaluable opportunity to explore environmental topics of shared interest from a fresh, region-specific perspective while promoting new connections among emerging and senior scholars. Guided by a local village administrative chief-resident with deep roots in the community, participants literally traveled beyond their specific research expertise and gained insights into the unique environmental and cultural context of Jeju.
Drawing on Duke’s vibrant scholarly communities and global connections, EFAN will significantly bolster Duke’s Climate Commitment, taking significant strides in advancing interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaboration by promoting social science and humanities research on environmental issues in Asia.