About FGI
History of the Fukada Geological Institute (FGI)
The Fukada Geological Institute is the first non-governmental, non-benefit seeking geological research organization founded in May 1954 with the endowment of the late Mr. Jozo Fukada. The institute initially proclaimed its aim as the creation of engineering geology. At that time geology was not closely related to industry, and FGI has fostered the growth of the new branch of engineering geology. FGI contributed to the fast-growing economy of Japan through research and development in ground investigation methods for the development of land and infrastructure. In October 1996, a new building including modern, well-equipped research facilities was built at the original location with financial assistance from many supporters. Since then the new lecture hall is used for a public lecture series, “Fukadaken Seminar”, presented by prominent researchers in geology and related disciplines. The seminar attracts a large audience and is an important activity in the promotion of geology and related disciplines. FGI celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004 with many active supporters, looking forward to continuing growth. According to the change of the law of juridical person issued in December 2008, FGI was ratified as a public interest foundation in April 2011. Engineering geology is evolving into the more comprehensive discipline of engineering geosciences, which is expected to contribute to solving many complex global problems typified by environmental issues. FGI revised its mission to take a new step into the future of development of engineering geosciences.
The Mission of FGI
The Mission of FGI is to promote the better understanding of the complex Earth system, to grow the specialists who succeed the research activities in future, and to assist the research activities by subsidization, then to extend the newly acquired knowledge to the society, and eventually to make contributions to the sustainable development of the society, through the following activities: studies of integrated earth sciences on the basis of the basic geology and geophysics, and their applications to environmental engineering, disaster prevention technologies, and general civil engineering.
Activities of FGI
To meet the mission mentioned above, FGI conducts the following four activities: 1) Research and development; 2) Dissemination of geosciences and technologies; 3) Fostering experts; and 4) Subsidization and awarding.
-Research and Development
We conduct research and development on basic geology and geophysics and their applications to environmental engineering, disaster prevention technologies and civil engineering.
-Dissemination of geosciences and technologies
We introduce, enlighten and disseminate to the public recent advances of geosciences and technologies in the world highlighting their effective use in society.
-Fostering experts
We foster and educate the experts who can work on the problems of the earth as an integrated system between nature and human society.
-Subsidization and Awarding
We assist young researchers including graduate students by granting scholarships and awards to encourage their research in both academic and practical fields.