Doctoral program in human care science was created in 2001, as a part of graduate education reform in University of Tsukuba. It is an evolutional program, a breakthrough from the conventional science system.

　　　The era of globalization, rapid progress in information technology, trend of low birthrate and longevity brought unexpected diverse social distortions. Changes in social and family structure imposed various psychosocial stress through deteriorating human relationships, gaps among generations, or conflicts among family members. Moreover, increases in mentally and physically ill health, maladaptation, suicide, violence and crime have emerged as social problems. In this context, people in need for special care have also diversified, and our society requires a prompt action, with new corresponding approach to solve these problems.

　　　Traditional response to these social problems has been a cooperation of related disciplines, in which each kept its own realm, never impinging on other's standpoint. Such cooperation often failed to be an effective solution due to the complexity of the problem, shortage of researchers, immature research skills or lack of financial support. Acknowledging these typical pitfalls, University of Tsukuba took a challenging restructuring and found the Doctoral Program in Human Care Science. Our program aims to go beyond the conservative cooperation of related disciplines, to a fusion of related disciplines by crossing borders, yet respecting the tradition of each. The related disciplines here include education, psychology, disability sciences, health & sport science, nursing sciences, community medicine and basic medical science, all of which obviously have one thing in common, that is, their focus on internal issues of human being. Our wide range of disciplines, from natural science to humanity assembled together under one roof, must be quite unique and rare in Japan.

　　　It would probably take time to grow up to be recognized in the society without being asked "so what is human care science, then?" In order to grow up, efforts made only by faculties are not enough, as it is not easy to break barriers and cross borders among conventional disciplines. Contributions from graduates who have flexible ideas, free from stereotype, are essential; because the most effective public relations for our human care science to be recognized in the society is your future academic work and achievements that contribute to the society, as a holder of a doctorate in human care science.

　　　During doctoral program, you will be sharing experiences with fellow students and faculties from various backgrounds apart from your area of specialization. We believe this experience would become the most treasured one in your academic career in future, the one which only our program can provide.

　　　Our Doctoral Program in Human Care Science is a newborn program which is still developing. I, however, look forward with great anticipation, that it would be like a bright, forever burning sun by nuclear fusion, once diverse disciplines are truly fused together.

Prof. Dr. Tsunetsugu Munakata, Doctoral Program in Human Care Science