Research & Investigation Center

The Research & Investigation Center conducts policy research with the distinctive characteristic of the Great Earthquake as a starting point, based on two policy research clusters which are primary research areas: "creating safe and secure communities policy research group" and "creating a society of coexistence policy research group".

When conducting investigative research, the research system has been enhanced by newly creating a "senior fellows" system to offer advice and proposals. Policy research councils have also been established with governmental departments related to each policy theme, which seeks to improve the function for policy proposals and communication for the application of research results back to society.

Major Projects

Independent Investigative Research

Conducts research on policy regarding creating safe and secure communities and creating a society of coexistence

Records (oral histories), organizes, and saves the accumulation of experiences and the lore of the Great Hanshin/Awaji Earthquake

Joint Research Support

Supports joint research with research organizations gathered in HAT Kobe

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution

To pass on the experiences and lessons of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake to future generations in order to contribute to a reduction of the effects of disasters, and in order to convey the dignity of life and importance of living together, Hyogo Prefecture, obtaining the support of the nation, established and operates the "Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution".

The DRI features exhibits about the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake as well as performing practical disaster prevention research and human resources cultivation, while also running and supporting projects related to "Hyogo Safety Day" established by Hyogo Prefecture.

Major Projects

Exhibits

Operates the "Disaster Reduction Museum", "Human Renovation Museum" exhibits, holds planned exhibits

Collect/save materials

Collects, organizes, enters in a database materials related to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and disaster prevention

Train disaster contingency specialists

Implements disaster contingency specialist training to cultivate human resources who will bear the core of disaster response in local governments

Practical disaster prevention research and raising young disaster prevention specialists

Conducts practical/comprehensive investigative research by young researchers which can be used for disaster emergency response and recovery/restoration in order to cultivate practical disaster prevention specialists

On-site disaster response support

When large-scale disasters occur, dispatches human resources who possess practical/systematic disaster response knowledge to disaster countermeasures headquarters, supplies information and gives advice

Exchange/networking

Supports projects such as the Disaster Reduction Alliance (DRA)

Hyogo Safety Day support projects and implements projects to increase awareness of disaster prevention/disaster reduction

Hyogo Institute for Traumatic Stress

Based on an approach related to "the care of the spirit" for such problems as the emotional trauma of victims and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) triggered by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, Hyogo Prefecture established the "Institute for Traumatic Stress" in April, 2004, and continues its operation.

At the Institute, research and training, consultations, and clinical examinations are performed related to "the care of the spirit", along with the training of human resources based on the ideals of "human care" which enhance the dignity of life and the joy of living.

Major Projects

Research

Practical research related to "the care of the spirit" by researchers (psychiatrists, clinical psychologist)

Human resource cultivation/training

Training for heath/medical/welfare related personnel engaged in "the care of the spirit"

Human care practical promotion courses to cultivate human resources who will practice and promote human care, and as a kind of that specialized human resource, holding musical therapist training courses

Consultation/clinical examinations

The establishment of a consultation room which responds to specialized consultations related to "the care of the spirit", along with the operation of a clinic which performs examinations and treatment by psychiatrists

Information transmission/popular dissemination

Transmission of research results and information by holding symposiums related to "the care of the spirit" and issuing publications

Cooperation/exchange

Cooperation with related organizations and the dispatch of support teams related to the care of the spirit when disasters, incidents, or accidents occur

Academic Exchange Center

The Academic Exchange Center transmits and returns research results to citizens and international/domestic researchers who seek advanced, specialized knowledge, and does so in various ways such as holding courses and symposiums, publishing documents, issuing an information magazine, and making use of information technology.

Including the Hyogo Administrative Policy Studies Association and the Asia Pacific Forum, Awaji Conference, the Academic Exchange Center plans intellectual exchange cooperating with international/domestic think tanks and universities.

Major Projects

Information communication projects

Holds the 21st Century Civilization Symposium

Issues the "Hem21" newsletter

Issues the research information magazine "21st Century Hyogo"

Education support projects

Holds Hyogo Courses in cooperation with universities

Holds the 21st Century Civilization Research Seminar

Academic exchange promotion projects

Short-term student exchange (HUMAP) between universities in Hyogo and the Asia-Pacific region, researcher exchange (HORN)

Forming an exchange network with related groups