Faculty of Arts

Faculty of Artshttps://www.umu.se/A RSS feed provided by Umeå Universityen-usWed, 02 Sep 2026 09:42:59 +0200https://www.umu.se/en/events/humlab-talk-imagining-companionship_12174643/Humlab Talk: Imagining CompanionshipThis talk explores the cultural, affective, and ethical dimensions of living with companion robots.Mon, 07 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0200Imagining Companionship: AI, Robots, and the Future of Intimacy in JapanWith: Prof. Hirofumi Katsuno, Doshisha University, Kyoto, JapanBased on ethnographic fieldwork in Japan, this talk explores the cultural, affective, and ethical dimensions of living with companion robots. Drawing on cases from Japan's emerging companion robot market, I examine how human-robot intimacy is imagined, practiced, and contested across different social contexts. In doing so, I consider what approaches to AI/robot companionship emerging from Japan might contribute to broader cross-cultural conversations on the future of human-machine relations.Hirofumi Katsuno is Professor of Anthropology and Media Studies at Doshisha University in Kyoto. His research investigates how people engage with emerging media and robotic technologies, and how these interactions shape imagination, agency, and a sense of presence in everyday life. His current projects are available at <a href="http://modelemotion.org">modelemotion.org</a>.<div class="epi-contentfragment">Registration Humlab Talk hybrid</div>Humlab – H2 / ZoomLecturehttps://www.umu.se/en/events/humlab-talk-imagining-companionship_12174643/2026-09-07T10:00:00+02:002026-09-07T12:00:00+02:00https://www.umu.se/en/events/health-on-campus-16-september-_12173417/Health on campus 16 September Health on Campus, the university wellbeing day, invites students and staff to a day of movement, inspiration and wellbeing.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0200Health on Campus, 16 September – a day filled with movement, inspiration, and wellbeing!The campus area will be buzzing with activities designed to boost both body and mind. Whether you'd like to dance, sing, climb, cycle, try canicross, functional strength training, calisthenics, weightlifting, play golf or badminton, or attend inspiring lectures, there's something for everyone!Students and staff at Umeå University and SLU Umeå can look forward to:<ul><li>Drop-in activities throughout the day</li><li>Bookable activities, with registration opening on 2 September</li><li>Lectures on physical activity and health</li></ul><a title="Explore the full Health on Campus programme for 16 September here!" href="/link/b63dcb02ff5e496eb11f9ab097b2f6cf.aspx">Explore the full Health on Campus programme for 16 September here!</a>Campus area and surrounding areasOtherhttps://www.umu.se/en/events/health-on-campus-16-september-_12173417/2026-09-16T08:00:00+02:002026-09-16T20:00:00+02:00https://www.umu.se/en/events/humlab-talk-humanizing-the-architecture-of-change_12182292/Humlab Talk: Humanizing the Architecture of ChangeWith Elisabeth M. AdamsWed, 16 Sep 2026 13:15:00 +0200With: Elisabeth M. Adams, Responsible AI Advisor and EducatorArtificial intelligence is often discussed as a technical disruption, but its most consequential effects are human: on trust, work, voice, belonging, power, and the choices institutions make about whose knowledge matters. In this keynote, I draw from my empirical research, leadership practice, and global work in Responsible AI to explore what it takes to lead technological change without losing sight of the people living inside it.Through stories and practical reflection, I examine why responsible AI cannot be created through principles or policy alone. It must be built through meaningful participation, organizational trust, and a willingness to recognize employees, students, communities, and other stakeholders not simply as recipients of change, but as contributors to its designThe session invites participants to consider a central question: What would it mean to build the future of AI with humanity, purpose, and shared responsibility at the center? <div class="epi-contentfragment">Registration Humlab Talk hybrid</div>Humlab / ZoomSeminarhttps://www.umu.se/en/events/humlab-talk-humanizing-the-architecture-of-change_12182292/2026-09-16T13:15:00+02:002026-09-16T15:00:00+02:00https://www.umu.se/en/events/late-modernity-in-crisis---hartmut-rosa_12177804/Late Modernity in Crisis - Hartmut RosaOpen talk with Prof. Hartmut Rosa, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0200Open talk with Prof. Hartmut Rosa, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena.<a href="/link/262c249b328c4414984bd499bc8985b8.aspx">More information</a>The plenary hall “Hohaj”, The Humanities BuildingLecturehttps://www.umu.se/en/events/late-modernity-in-crisis---hartmut-rosa_12177804/2026-09-22T10:00:00+02:002026-09-22T11:30:00+02:00https://www.umu.se/en/events/doctoral-student-seminar-with-professor-hartmut-rosa_12179374/Doctoral student seminar with Professor Hartmut RosaDoctoral student seminar with Hartmut Rosa: Understanding acceleration and resonance in contemporary culture and society.Wed, 23 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0200Welcome to a seminar offering doctoral students at Umeå University the opportunity to meet Professor Hartmut Rosa during his visit. The seminar begins with a short lecture on Understanding Acceleration and Resonance in Contemporary Culture and Society, followed by a discussion. It provides a good opportunity to deepen your understanding of Rosa’s theoretical concepts and to discuss it in relation to your own doctoral project or general research interests. Places are limited, and participation is open to all doctoral students at Umeå University.<a href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=-aZLWjH1Mk-UZzmPGead5MdVqSOM0zFOg0nsPyw7pxBUQkJXQTMxWTRJN0xYM0dJOFc5UDNFNjhETy4u&route=shorturl">Register here</a>Hartmut Rosa is also giving a public lecture on Tuesday, 22 September 10:00–11:30 in lecture hall Hohaj Hum.D.230. You are warmly welcome to attend that as well!TbaSeminarhttps://www.umu.se/en/events/doctoral-student-seminar-with-professor-hartmut-rosa_12179374/2026-09-23T10:00:00+02:002026-09-23T11:30:00+02:00