On February 13, 2026, a joint webinar was successfully held by the Korea Center for Gendered Innovations in Science and Technology Research (GISTeR) and the Research Division of the Center for Co-Creation of Diversity and Inclusion (IncluDE), The University of Tokyo.
GISTeR is a leading national institution in Korea dedicated to promoting inclusive research and innovation through gendered innovation. Its activities encompass human resource development, raising social awareness, and policy research aimed at advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and technology.
This webinar served as a kickoff event for strengthening international collaboration between GISTeR and IncluDE, under the theme “The Future of Inclusive AI: Exploring Diversity, Equity, and Gendered Innovation.” Researchers from both institutions shared their latest research findings and perspectives, followed by engaging and productive discussions.
The webinar opened with welcome remarks by Professor Heisook Lee, President of GISTeR, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration in advancing inclusive AI research and fostering gendered innovation.
In the first session, two speakers from IncluDE delivered presentations. Professor Hiromi Yokoyama (Institute for Advanced Studies, The University of Tokyo) presented “Sustainable AI: Considering DEI/RRI at the Intersection of AI Ethics and Environmental Ethics,” highlighting the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and responsible research and innovation (RRI) in addressing both ethical and environmental dimensions of AI development.
Professor Misato Nihei (Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo) presented “Gender Through the Lens of Assistive Technology Development,” discussing the importance of incorporating gender perspectives in the design and implementation of assistive technologies.
In the second session, two speakers from GISTeR delivered presentations. Professor Jihie Kim (Computer and AI Division, Dongguk University) presented “Diversity & Generative AI,” providing a comprehensive overview of the past, present, and future of generative AI, with particular attention to the role of diversity in AI development.
Professor Jeong-han Kang (Department of Sociology, Yonsei University) presented “Hidden Issues Concerning DEI in the Age of AI,” offering critical insights into emerging social and structural challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AI era from a sociological perspective.
Following the presentations, a panel discussion was held. Professor Takane Ito, Director of IncluDE, provided a summary of the earlier sessions and reflected on the significance of the webinar. Participants also discussed Japan’s Basic Plan for Artificial Intelligence, approved by the Cabinet on December 23, 2025, and explored practical approaches for responsible AI use in research, including the application of AI responsibility checklists. The discussion facilitated meaningful exchange of perspectives between Japanese and Korean researchers.
The webinar concluded with closing remarks by Professor Sayaka Oki, Head of the IncluDE Research Division, who emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between GISTeR and IncluDE in advancing inclusive and responsible AI research.
The webinar was widely announced through the official websites of both GISTeR and IncluDE. A total of 91 participants registered in advance, reflecting strong international interest in the topic. As a kickoff event, the webinar successfully established a foundation for ongoing collaboration. Both institutions plan to continue organizing regular joint webinars to share research developments and promote international dialogue on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the era of AI.
This joint webinar marked an important milestone in strengthening academic collaboration between Japan and Korea and advancing inclusive, responsible, and socially impactful AI research.
Hiromi Yokoyama(Professor, Kavli IPMU and the Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies, UTokyo)
Sustainable AI: Considering DEI/RRI at the intersection of AI ethics and environmental ethics
Misato Nihei(Professor, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, UTokyo)
Gender Through the Lens of Assistive Technology Development
Jihie Kim(Professor, Computer and AI division, Donguk University)
Diversity & Generative AI
Jeong-han Kang(Professor, Department of Sociology, Yonsei University)
Hidden issues concerning DEI in the age of AI
