The MIT Global Humanities Initiative (GHI) hosted the 2025 KU-MIT Global Humanities Initiative (GHI) Forum to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Korea University on April 24–25 at Cinema Trap, Korea University’s Media Hall. The forum was organized under the theme “Catalyzing Human Flourishing in Uncertain Times” at the proposal of MIT GHI and served as an international academic event exploring the meaning and future direction of human existence from the perspective of the convergence of science and the humanities, and of comparative global humanities. The event also celebrated the Launch of the Asian Hub of MIT’s Global Humanities Initiative at Korea University.
On Day 1, under the theme “Tools for Human Flourishing: Integrating Self-enhancement, Neuroscience, and Technology”, panelists from MIT GHI — Professor Wiebke Denecke (MIT), Jonas Mago (McGill University), and Gabor Hollbeck (ETH Zürich) — engaged in discussions alongside designated discussants from Korea University: Professor Song Hyok-key (Department of Sinographic Literatures), Professor Kang Woo-chang (Department of Political Science and International Relations), and Professor Han Kyu-man (Department of Psychiatry). Together, they explored how the humanities, neuroscience, and AI technologies could collaboratively shape strategies for well-being, resilience, and meaning-making both now and in the future. The session was moderated by Professor Shin Hae-rin (School of Media and Communication, Korea University).
On Day 2, during an interactive workshop, student participants from Korea University engaged in free discussion on major topics in global humanities and explored alternative solutions through interdisciplinary and intercultural dialogue. Structured around the nine thematic pillars of MIT GHI, breakout groups tackled subtopics such as “The Contemporary Transformation of Historical Memory and Cultural Heritage,” “The Relationship Between the Climate Crisis and Religious Imagination,” “Linguistic Diversity and Literacy in the Digital Environment,” “The Present and Future of Traditional Literatures Across Cultures,” and “In the Age of AI, How Will Humans Communicate?” Participants engaged in activities based on the Five Stages of the Design Thinking Principle and presented their ideas at the end of the session. The workshop was facilitated by Professor Shin Hae-rin, with mentoring provided by Professor Wiebke Denecke, Jonas Mago, Gabor Hollbeck, Dr. Johann Noh (MIT GHI), and Professor Song Hyok-key, Professors Kwon Young Woo and Lee Chan (Department of Philosophy).
President Kim Dong-won of Korea University remarked, “This forum represents a true convergence between science and the humanities, breaking down traditional boundaries,” adding, “Through discussions with MIT, Korea University is sharing its vision for comparative global humanities and creating a valuable opportunity to reimagine the role of the humanities in future society.”
