Two conferences by NIAS
NIAS - Nordic Institute of Asian Studies
will host the following two conferences during the fall of 2006:
‘
New Asian Dynamics in Science, Technology and Innovation’, Gilleleje (North of Copenhagen), 27-29 September 2006.
The fastest growing centres for science and technology are located in Asia, where spectacular developments have taken place during the past ten years. China and India get the biggest headlines. Their potential in science and technology is repeated daily in international media. But in addition to Japan and South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan are further ahead. A few other countries, notably Malaysia, seem to be moving towards the starting-blocks. Many informed observers are convinced that Europe must start intensifying co-operation with the growing R&D communities in Asia to secure and further develop the competence we will need to remain competitive. Others argue that that we must protect ourselves and not give away our edge assets in science and science-based technology. More information and registration:
http://asiandynamics.niasconferences.dk
We invite researchers (including PhD candidates who are expected to earn ECTS-points for their contributions after agreement with their respective institution) and other specialists in the Nordic countries and from elsewhere with special interest and insights into Asian science, technology and innovation. The purpose is to review current studies and promote new insights into Asia’s scientific and technological strengths, and their impact on other parts of the world. More information and registration:
http://asiandynamics.niasconferences.dk
‘Asian Studies at a Turning Point: Tandem walk or boxing match between social sciences and humanities?’, Turku, 6-9 November 2006.
The fascinating and challenging debate over the development perspectives in Asian studies continues. While the political, economic and cultural balance in the world is shifting towards Asia, debates on how to deal with this in academia lingers on. It focuses on how to legitimize and develop a field of study that often lacks a strong disciplinary basis, common theoretical frameworks, and has countries and regions as the only point of reference. Current approaches are pointing at the necessity of being anchored in a discipline; to engage in comparative studies in collaboration with Asian colleagues; and to command a reasonably deep knowledge about historical and cultural development trajectories as well as – in some instances – an adequate knowledge of an Asian language. More information and registration:
http://asianstudies.niasconferences.dk
In connection with the conference, an intensive doctoral course (7,5 ECTS) will be organized for students in Nordic graduate schools. This offers the students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in first-rate international methodological tuition concerning their own PhD projects. More information and registration:
http://asianstudies.niasconferences.dk