Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Kyoto University Office of Research Acceleration held the “Meet Your KU Community!” networking event on February 17, 2026, at linkhub@ in the International Science Innovation Building. The purpose of this event is to encourage Kyoto University researchers to connect beyond the boundaries of their research fields and departments, and to build new networks.

For this ninth session, Associate Professor Saskia Abrahms-Kavunenko from the Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies gave a talk titled “On Vital Things and Obstinate Materials: Buddhist Perspectives on Plastics.” She highlighted the paradox between the fundamental Buddhist concept of impermanence (mujō)—that everything is transient and will eventually fade away—and the nature of plastics as “undying materials” that do not return to nature but persist semi-permanently. The discussion explored how these “imperishable modern materials,” which have replaced traditional Buddhist ritual implements that once embodied impermanence through their decay, are treated within contemporary faith and how they coexist with the teachings of impermanence.

Following her presentation, participating researchers from diverse fields– including political economy, archaeology and art history, and animal physiology and ethology – contributed questions and comments from their unique academic perspectives, making it a highly meaningful opportunity for interdisciplinary dialogue and exchange.

In collaboration with the Early-Career Researcher Development Division, this event was planned and organized by Shizuka Oki (administrative staff, International Researcher Support Team), along with URAs Yuri Ohara and Yu Sasaki. The Office of Research Acceleration will continue to support the rich expansion of the researcher network at Kyoto University.