Reconnect relationships and pave your own path forward.
Overview
Research outcomes are not solely determined by individual effort; they are also greatly influenced by the environment of the research lab and the dynamics of the team. Across different disciplines, researchers face common challenges in how research is conducted, how knowledge is shared, how decisions are made, and the structures that support daily research activities. But should we simply accept these challenges as “unchangeable” when we are in an academic setting that fosters exploration and innovation?
This multi-session workshop aims to help participants expand their research networks and build collaborative relationships that foster knowledge creation. Using project management methodologies, participants will analyze challenges in their own research projects, exchange insights with peers, and learn practical approaches to advancing their research more effectively through hands-on exercises.
The workshop is designed by members of Copilot Inc., a team with over 20 years of experience in project management support. Their proven project facilitation methods, along with expertise in dialogue and relationship-building, have been tailored specifically for research projects. Based on feedback from last year’s participants, this iteration has been further refined.
This is a unique opportunity to experiment with various ideas, refine your research process, and improve your research environment. Take full advantage of this valuable experience!
| 📂 Category | Innitiative |
| 📌 Keywords | Project Management, Reflection Communication Patterns, Knowledge Creation |
| 🎯 Objectives | ・Develop a habit of using project management tools to reflect on research progress. ・Enhance self-efficacy by iterating through the cycle of identifying challenges, discussing them with peers, and putting them into practice. ・Learn how to influence collaborative dynamics and information flow in research teams, regardless of one’s formal position. |
| 🌐 Language | English & Japanese |
| 👥 Target Participants | Graduate students & undergraduate students involved in research or projects |
| 🗓 Format | Three-month continuous session (2-hour in-person x 6) |
| ✅ Past & Upcoming Sessions | 2025: May 19, May 26, June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28 (All Mondays, 18:00–20:00) 2024: Completed in the fall semester (Project Reflection session) |
| 📍 Venue | S6-309A, Ookayama |
| 🌟 Recommended for | ・Those interested in building structured processes to manage their research effectively. ・Those who want to enhance research collaboration and foster new discoveries through teamwork. ・Those looking for insights to improve research lab culture and group dynamics. |
| 📊 Points | 30 points in total (Points to be awarded to students enrolled in the courses for credits. Please refer to the syllabus for details.) |
| 🎟️ Capacity | 15 participants |
Main Content
Throughout six sessions, participants will reconceptualize their exploratory research as a structured project, developing a sense of ownership and direction. Additionally, they will critically examine research lab environments and existing norms, seeking concrete methods to foster a more collaborative research culture.
Each session involves:
- Identifying and discussing solutions for project-related challenges.
- Exploring approaches to positively influence research teams and group dynamics.
- Learning small yet impactful actions that anyone—not just formal leaders—can take to improve their research environment.
By participating continuously, students will share and discuss challenges with fellow participants, implement changes, observe their effects, share findings, and refine their strategies through an iterative learning cycle. This process enhances self-efficacy, demonstrating how even small adjustments can shape both individual and collective research experiences.
Workshop Design & Facilitation
Copilot Inc.
Copilot Inc. was founded in 2005 with the vision of serving as a “copilot” for various teams and projects, supporting digital transformation, new business development, and project facilitation. They aim to work alongside project teams to create effective and adaptable project structures that ensure smooth execution and collaboration.
Message from the Facilitators
Shotaro Yagi
The idea that practice shapes people and society may be an overlooked perspective in research, which is often pursued in solitude. However, practice becomes more robust within relationships and interactions. Relationships may seem like a small factor, but they can have a profound impact.
This workshop itself serves as a unique relational space—a place where exclusive dialogues, insights, and practical experiences can emerge. We hope that through this experience, you will not only enrich your own research journey but also create something meaningful that can be passed on to future researchers.
Kana Hasebe
This workshop is built on the idea that research outcomes are not achieved through individual effort alone—and the same applies to the workplace. In a company, almost no work can be done entirely alone. Progress is made by collaborating with others, leveraging each person’s expertise to move forward.
In other words, the skills you will develop through hands-on learning in this workshop are lifelong skills—applicable wherever you go. Take this opportunity to gain valuable insights from your own research experience and build skills that will benefit you far beyond academia.
Contact Faculty
Yuri Matsuzaki, Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Academy for Leadership
📩 matsuzaki.y.77a9 [at] m.isct.ac.jp
