Joint research has commenced with the IEDDAI at the University of Alcalá, Spain

A joint research project has commenced between Dr. Ana Belén García-Varela, Deputy Director of the Daisaku Ikeda Research Institute for Education and Development (IEDDAI) at the University of Alcalá, and Dr. Tetsuko Watanabe, a faculty member of IRISE and Research Fellow of the IEDDAI. The University of Alcalá, with its history spanning over 500 years, established the IEDDAI in 2019. This joint research institute, in collaboration with Soka University, aims to promote research and dialogue on human and value-creating education, inspired by Daisaku Ikeda's philosophy.

The theme of the joint research is ‘Teachers' Roles in Value-Creating Education’. Thematic analysis will be used as a research method to conduct a literature review focusing on the ‘education proposals’ by Daisaku Ikeda published in 1984, 2000, and 2001. Chapters related to value-creating education in the novel New Human Revolution will also be reviewed. The study aims to explore Ikeda’s educational perspective on what it means to educate from the standpoint of human education and value creation, emphasizing the transformative role of teachers in nurturing students’ human potential and promoting a humanistic approach to education in today’s global context.

To date, three meetings have been held to discuss the joint research, connecting Spain and Japan online in June, August, and October 2025.

Regarding this joint research, Dr. Garcia-Varela stated, “This research represents a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the role of teachers in value-creating education, an essential proposal within Daisaku Ikeda’s educational philosophy. Our collaboration with Soka University allows us to build bridges between cultures and strengthen international academic dialogue around a humanistic approach to education.” Dr. Watanabe remarked, “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to engage in such meaningful joint research with the IEDDAI, which is the first institute to explore Ikeda’s educational philosophy in Europe. We aim to publish our research findings as academic articles and foster dialogue with scholars seeking Soka education.”