International Society for Sanitation Studies
Established April 2022
Interdisciplinarity
Sanitation, which is closely related to people’s lives, is connected to all fields.
Message
Sanitation refers to a system that hygienically separates humans from harmful excreta and promotes its safe treatment and disposal. The significance of addressing sanitation is articulated in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 which states that we should “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” We have less than 10 years to reach this 2030 goal, and it seems quite doubtful that we will.
To date, sanitation issues have been placed within the contexts of engineering approaches focused on infrastructure, environmental conservation towards water and soil contamination, and adverse health outcomes due to unimproved sanitation. As such, we decided to revisit the value of sanitation through research and exploration during a seven-year (2015-2021) Sanitation Project under the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. We can firmly say that sanitation covers not only technology, but also values developed and shared among humans and local communities, which can fall into the nexus of three components that are Health, Materials, and Socio-Culture. Through this process, we created the concept of the Sanitation Triangle. And with the multidisciplinary philosophy of the Sanitation Triangle in mind, we decided to establish the International Society for Sanitation Studies. ISSS aims to bring a broad range of stakeholders together to tackle global sanitation through a truly inter- and trans-disciplinary approach. We welcome you to join us as we make efforts to transform our world for the better.
April 28, 2022
Taro Yamauchi
Founder and Chief Representative
International Society for Sanitation Studies
Hokkaido University, JAPAN
Philosophy & Purpose
Aim to improve sanitation in the world
We consider what the academic community can contribute to improve the situation of people in poor sanitation conditions and to improve their quality of life. We do not only aim at physical fulfillment, but emphasize wellbeing as well.
Contribute to the development of sanitation research
We will take a multifaceted view of sanitation and have logical discussions about what sanitation should be in the future.
Emphasis on both theory and practice
Both logical and academic theory and flexible and practical activities in the field are important. We believe that by accumulating knowledge on both these aspects, sanitation research and practice can advance and produce something beneficial to society.
Look ahead to the SDGs and post-SDGs
Sanitation is a global issue observed as an SDG. What can we do to ensure that no one is left behind? We will consider what new perspectives we can offer to the international agenda.
Values
Think outside the box
We place value on looking at sanitation with fresh eyes.
Join remotely anywhere
The internet gives us more opportunities to access information and communicate.
Equality for everyone
A place where researchers and practitioners from all over the world can discuss on an even plane.
Open membership
No restrictions or obligations are placed on members. Membership is free of charge.
Open access
Information will be as open as possible. You do not have to be a member to contribute to the official journal.
Events & Publications
Events
Online
Fostering interdisciplinary communication and collaboration among sanitation researchers
Publications
Online
Open publishing opportunity to all sanitation researchers and practitioners