Designed for early-career researchers and practitioners, TERRA⁺ School equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and collaborative skills needed to address today’s most urgent sustainability challenges. Through lectures, workshops, field-based dialogue, and interactive sessions, participants will explore how research and practice can work together to drive meaningful societal change.

The program focuses on three essential dimensions of transdisciplinary research:

• What to know – foundational concepts and perspectives
• How to do – practical methods, tools, and collaborative approaches
• How to be – reflexivity, leadership, and systems thinking

Applications are now open for TERRA⁺ School 2026, an intensive international training program in transdisciplinary (TD) research and sustainability practice, taking place in Kyoto, Japan, from October 15-22, 2026.

Why Join TERRA⁺ School 2026?

This year’s program will be held in the historic city of Kyoto and includes participation in a special workshop hosted by KLASICA (Knowledge, Learning, and Societal Change international research alliance), an international research group driving social change to address pressing global environmental challenges. — The workshop will explore the theme of “Dialogue with Forests and Nature.” Participants may also have the opportunity to join discussions at the Kyoto Culture Forum at Ninnaji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring conversations on topics such as “Culture × Environment.” The application period runs from May 15 to June 21 (Japan Standard Time). Please see below for the application process and form.

The TERRA⁺ School offers participants:

• Intensive training in transdisciplinary and mission-oriented research
• Hands-on experience with TD tools and methodologies
• Opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, sectors, and regions
• Access to potential fellowships and future collaborative projects
• Membership in a growing global network supported by Future Earth and RIHN

Key information and important dates:

• Dates: October 15–22, 2026
• Venue: Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN), Kyoto, Japan
• Applications deadline: 23:59 JST, June 21, 2026
• Cost: The course is free of charge. A very limited number of travel grants are available for participants from Asia through a selection process. Candidates from around the world who are able to cover their own travel and participation costs are welcome to apply.
• Contact: futureearth@chikyu.ac.jp

Who should apply?

• PhD students.
• Postdoctoral researchers (within 10 years of PhD completion).
• Sustainability practitioners with 5–10 years of relevant experience.

We encourage applications from emerging researchers and professionals from diverse disciplines, sectors, and regions who are passionate about connecting sustainability research with real-world change.

All sessions will be conducted in English. Applicants must also obtain a recommendation from a member of the Future Earth network, RIHN, or the Asia Science Mission.

How to Apply

Future Earth members may nominate up to two candidates from their networks.

Applicants must submit:

• A completed application form
• A recommendation letter from a member of the Future Earth network, RIHN, or the Asia Science Mission

Deadline

• All application materials must be submitted by 23:59 JST on June 21, 2026.
• Selected applicants will be notified by late July 2026.

For more information, please refer to reports and blog posts from previous TERRA⁺ Schools, and read through the 2026 Program Briefer.

Organized by: Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) and the Future Earth Japan Global Secretariat Hub

In cooperation with: Asia Science Mission, Uehiro Research Center for Japan Environmental Studies, KLASICA, RIHN Green Knowledge Center, and others