Humans and the Environment Coexist as One: NSYSU Hosts International Workshop on "Five-Sense Connection"

In recent years, the Earth's ecological environment has been severely impacted by human activities, leading to environmental issues such as global warming, air pollution, and climate change. These problems pose serious threats to the health and survival of both humans and other living species. To strengthen the public's sense of interconnectedness between humanity, the environment, and all forms of life—and to foster an intrinsic motivation for promoting sustainable development—the Aerosol Science Research Center at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) organized the international workshop "Somatic & Ecological Senses: Five-Sense Connection and IDG (Inner Development Goals)."

The event brought together scientists, musicians, artists, and experts from related fields to guide participants in finely attuning to their bodily sensations and understanding the underlying scientific mechanisms. The workshop also introduced cutting-edge research in quantum biology related to sensory perception, offering deeper insights into the intimate connection between humans and the environment.

Director of the Aerosol Science Research Center at NSYSU, Dr. Chia-Chen Wang, pointed out that in recent years, while promoting the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it has become increasingly clear that improvements to the external environment must begin with a transformation of people's inner core qualities. These include self-awareness, complexity awareness, long-term orientation and vision, a sense of connectedness, empathy and compassion, as well as skills in communication and co-creation.

These qualities are key indicators of the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), which form the foundation of this international IDG workshop. The event was designed to help participants cultivate these essential inner capacities needed to support meaningful and lasting progress toward global sustainability.

During her opening remarks, NSYSU Vice President Shiow-Fon Tsay expressed strong support for the integration of science and art through cross-disciplinary collaboration, recognizing its potential to promote the concept of interconnected coexistence.

Dr. Chia-Chen Wang then delivered the keynote speech titled "Quantum Mechanics of the Five Senses: Exploring the Interconnectedness of Humans and the Environment." She referenced the classic quotes and theories of prominent modern scientists such as Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, Max Planck, Erwin Schrödinger, and Niels Bohr to share insights into the development of modern quantum mechanics and the latest findings in the quantum biology of the five senses.

Through this lens, Dr. Wang emphasized the energetic nature of all matter in the universe and the scientific principles—and limitations—behind how our five senses function. She reminded participants that the five senses serve as a biological detection system for perceiving and interacting with environmental stimuli such as light, sound, scent, and vibration. At the microscopic level, this process involves receptor cells in sensory organs and the transmission and interpretation of neural signals by the brain.

Therefore, the inability to see or hear something does not imply its nonexistence. Understanding the scientific mechanisms and limitations of our senses allows us to more deeply perceive the objective reality of our interconnectedness with others and the environment. This awareness, Dr. Wang noted, can inspire a shared commitment to building a more sustainable ecological future.

Dr. Elaine Ho, Assistant Professor in the Department of Theater Arts at NSYSU, guided participants through an experiential session titled "Embodied Imagination of Breathing." Through guided visualization, attendees were invited to sense the collective rhythm of breathing shared by all life forms on Earth—including humans, animals, plants, as well as mountains, forests, oceans, and lakes—as if pulsing together with Mother Earth herself.

On the visual arts front, emerging artist Hsu Chiao Yin was invited to share the concept behind her artwork, which focuses on depicting the "eyes" of various life forms. Her work highlights the unique perspectives through which different species perceive the world. A selection of her paintings from the Microscopic Horizons series was also exhibited at the event, inviting viewers into an imaginative space where the boundaries between seeing and being seen blur—drifting between illusion and reality.

For the auditory experience, Dr. Yi-Hsuan Chen, Assistant Professor in the Department of Music at NSYSU, performed a live composition that incorporates the sounds of whales in the ocean. Through this performance, she conveyed the message that the world is a symphony co-created by humans and all elements of nature—reminding us to remain humble, attuned, and in harmony with all living beings.

Also featured was musician and founder of Moon Voice: The Sound of the Soul, Chih-Hsin Chen, who studied in Japan. She performed her original compositions, using sound as a medium to awaken each participant’s connection between body, mind, and nature.

As for the sense of taste, Dr. Bendy Fan, Professor at NSYSU's Institute of Medical Science and Technology, introduced the science behind taste perception. She encouraged participants to reduce their intake of artificial flavor enhancers and instead choose foods that are nutritious, healthful, and aligned with the body's natural needs.

Professor Chia-Hui Tseng and Professor Miao Cheng from the Research Institute of Electrical Communication at Tohoku University in Japan shared their latest AI research on emotion and body language. Their presentation explored how physical movements express emotional states, offering insights into the intersection of artificial intelligence and human non-verbal communication.

For the olfactory and tactile senses, Mei-chi Chen, founder of Ajowan Spa and an expert with over 20 years of experience in aromatherapy, led a hands-on session where participants experienced the positive effects of essential oils on the body and emotions. She reminded attendees to stay mindful of subtle changes in their physical and emotional states—emphasizing that caring for the world begins with caring for one’s own body and mind.

Kai-Hsun Chang from RGM Diming Energy Art also shared his team's artistic approach, which uses natural materials such as minerals, crystals, and metals as mediums. Their creations merge Eastern and Western philosophies, scientific knowledge, and symbolic logic to produce diverse forms of visual art. Through these works, they aim to convey the unique interconnectedness between humans and all living things, offering viewers a new sensory, conscious, and spiritual experience of art.

The Aerosol Science Research Center at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) stated that the *"Somatic & Ecological Senses: Five-Sense Connection and IDG International Workshop"* received an enthusiastic response, with nearly 80 participants from across Taiwan—including the north, central, and southern regions. Attendees came from diverse backgrounds such as academia, the arts, industry, and civil society (NGOs), reflecting a strong interest in the workshop's interdisciplinary approach.

Hsiao-San Wu, Chairman of Samwell Technology, traveled from northern Taiwan to Kaohsiung specifically to attend the event. He expressed his appreciation for how academia is integrating science and art to raise awareness about sensory perception and our interconnectedness with the world. He noted that each topic and speaker deeply resonated with him.

Ming-Sin Kao, an American student from Pingtung, also shared her excitement, saying she gained valuable insights from the workshop. "I never realized how deeply connected we are to others and the world at a microscopic, energetic level," she remarked.

Dr. Chia-Chen Wang, director of the center, explained that her background in aerosol research made her acutely aware of how microscopic aerosol particles are intricately linked with Earth’s major systems and human health—where even the smallest disturbance can have widespread effects. However, due to the inherent limitations of our biological sensory systems, we often fall into the illusion of separateness.

Understanding the scientific principles—and limitations—of how our five senses function, she emphasized, helps us to more clearly recognize the objective reality of our interconnected existence with others and the environment. This awareness, in turn, can inspire a collective commitment to building a more sustainable ecological future.