Education and Research Results
Event Record
【Event】 Participated in the “SACRU Autumn School.”
SACRU (The Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities) is a global network comprising eight Catholic research universities worldwide. Guided by Catholic values, it pursues excellence in research and education while addressing global challenges. Sophia University is the sole participating institution from Asia.
This year, the Catholic Holy Year, a program focusing on “Freedom of Scientific Research” for PhD students was held at the Australian Catholic University’s Rome Campus. Two SPRING students from Sophia university participated.
Participants’ Voices
・At the SACRU Autumn School, we spent valuable time contemplating the fundamental question “What is freedom?” alongside researchers from diverse countries and fields. As the phrase “Freedom is not a slogan, but a condition” suggests, I came to feel that freedom is not merely an ideal, but the very act of continuing to question without fear. During discussions, we openly shared the unique challenges of doctoral studies—the difficulties of research and anxieties about the future—finding much encouragement along the way. It was an irreplaceable experience that allowed us to reexamine academic freedom as “responsible inquiry” and truly appreciate the importance of supportive connections with peers.
・Participating in the SACRU Autumn School and having the opportunity to exchange views with fellow students on the universal question of “Scientific Freedom” that transcends specific fields was truly wonderful. I believe this experience will be highly valuable both for my research at Sophia University and for my future academic career, enabling me to engage with people worldwide. Furthermore, visiting Rome during the Holy Year—a significant event for Catholics occurring only once every 25 years—and witnessing the Pope alongside fellow participants was an invaluable experience that allowed me to tangibly feel the global Catholic connection.
