Assistant Professor Mayu Koike has returned from a three month stay in Tempere University supported by the WRH Faculty Research Abroad Program. This is a report on the activities and results of her stay.

Assistant Professor Koike and Professor Oksanen in the center; Dr. Savolainen third from the right.

 

Awardee	Mayu Koike
Destination Institution	Tampere University
City and Country	Finland, Tampere
Host Researcher	Atte Oksanen, Professor
Travel Period	2024/　5/　6日　～　2024　/　8/　1　（　87days）
Project Title	Rethinking the romantic relationship between humans and AI

 

I visited Tampere University in Tampere, Finland to collaborate with Prof. Atte Oksanen who is the director of the Emerging Technologies Lab. The main objective was to explore cross-cultural differences of “Self and Technology”, which aligns with my ongoing research.

The visit aimed to investigate human perception of emerging technology, focusing on identity and our relationships with technologies. During my stay, I engaged in various activities, which included attending meetings, discussing research interests, and considering collaborative projects in the future. I worked closely with the researchers in the Emerging Technology Lab to exchange knowledge on my research expertise, which regards romantic relationships with virtual agents. The results of this lab trip broadly expanded my research network. Prof. Oksanen introduced me to Dr. Iina Savolainen, who is the vice lab director, and the many leading researchers in his lab. Additionally, I was able to meet researchers at the Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies within the university. Because my research expertise closely aligns with them, we discussed new collaborative research and symposium opportunities for the future.

This visit experience taught me how to lead a sizable lab and conduct cross-cultural projects. Working in a different research environment provided insights into new perspectives, especially how to work with a large team and publish papers constantly.

The visit laid the foundation for ongoing collaboration between Japan and Finland. We have agreed to continue future collaborations. My next steps include applying for international grants and to expand our research ties to the next level, hoping to explore new avenues in regards to AI and romantic relationships.

Overall, the research visit to the Emerging Technology Lab was highly productive and enriched my understanding of cross-cultural research, social psychology and AI. The experience has significantly contributed to my research and has opened new avenues for future collaboration and exploration of AI and relationship research.

*This was the first destination of Prof. Koike’s WRH research abroad. During her travel she also visited Bielefeld University in Germany.

Related links:
– World Research Hub (WRH) Program
– Mayu Koike (Science Tokyo STAR Search)