aiESG, which aims to take the lead position as a startup in ESG analysis and evaluation with its strength in cutting-edge AI and solid research achievements, has employees with unique backgrounds in addition to their research achievements at universities. Nina, who joined the company last year, is one such employee. Originally from Lithuania, she holds a PhD in sociology from the University of Tsukuba. What does she think is attractive and interesting about aiESG?

Nina Zidanovich Profile
D. in Social Sciences from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, she conducted research on AI implementation and ethical AI in society at a Japanese AI solutions company. She worked as an associate researcher for a consultancy based in Lithuania, focusing on human rights, vulnerable groups, and AI. aiESG joined aiESG in September 2024, where she works as a researcher and data scientist. She lives in Tsukuba, Japan.

My career is very difficult to describe in a few words. There have been periods of time devoted to academic research, and there have been times when I have worked in the dynamic private sector. Through it all, I have been exposed to a rich and diverse culture, and it seems to be colored by a variety of factors as I explore the future of a sustainable society. From an early age, I was strongly attracted to Japanese culture, which led me to Japan and my current career path working for aiESG. It was not a smooth path, but I feel that it was a process of exploration that I continued to follow with my own intellectual curiosity and a strong desire to connect theory and practice.

From Lithuania to Tsukuba: Encounter with Japanese Culture

My connection to Japan goes back to my childhood, when I heard stories passed down from my grandmother, who had once lived in Karafuto. I was completely fascinated by the completely different culture of Lithuania, even from what I heard from my grandmother, who was close to me, and from that time on I strongly felt that I wanted to go to Japan and experience this culture firsthand. As I grew up, this desire grew stronger, and I was given the opportunity to study Asian Studies at Vilnius University in my native Lithuania, and eventually at the University of Tsukuba.

My research career began with a focus on the complex historical background that influenced the formation of Japanese culture, delving deeply into the social structures that underpin language and traditional culture. I then expanded my field to more complex contemporary Asian studies, including research topics such as postcolonial theory, the global economy, and the shifting political balance of power. In addition to understanding the past, I sometimes focused on the dynamics shaping the current Asian region and Japan's present within it. Although I temporarily conducted some research activities in Taiwan, I still decided to return to Japan because I was already able to conduct my daily life in Japanese, and because of my strong interest in Japan's social structure, which is quite different from that of Europe. I felt that I could immerse myself more in my research by becoming a member of this society, which is the subject of my research, rather than being a student or a researcher.

Exploring avenues of research: to identity in society

My days of research at the University of Tsukuba greatly stimulated my intellectual curiosity. After completing my research program, I went straight to the University for my PhD and continued my research focusing on the multifaceted nature of the identities of socially vulnerable groups. To elaborate, I studied the experiences of socially vulnerable groups and the impact of gender, ethnicity, nationality, occupation, and other identities on their real lives. Using qualitative research methods such as narratives and semi-structured interviews, the main activity was to delve into the experiences of the people being studied. The University of Tsukuba's research policy is also very unique, emphasizing that students take the initiative and responsibility in their research projects. It was tough, but because it was not an environment where everything was predetermined, it led to research that pushed me to pursue intellectual exploration. The culmination of my doctoral thesis, "Japanese Artists in New York: Works and Identity in Creation," is related to my current field of interest, particularly the influence of socio-cultural context on identity in the context of migration and creativity.

Bridges to Industry: Applying Research in the Real World

As I immersed myself in my research activities, I gradually developed a desire to apply my research to solving real-world problems. I strongly felt that I wanted to build a bridge between theory and practice, that is, I wanted to not only research, but also apply my knowledge to bring about real change in the subject. I found aiESG as a place where I could realize this desire. aiESG is in charge of providing consulting proposals to client companies on various key ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues by applying my academic background to actual data analysis. I analyze complex data to help clients understand how their corporate activities impact the environment and society, and research and study evolving sustainability frameworks and regulations.

In addition, I am directly involved in aiESG's own sustainability reporting as a facilitator. Here is an environment that fulfills my academic interests and my desire to contribute to a more sustainable future.

A unique place where academic research meets implementation in the global community

I find aiESG to be a unique environment that combines friendly competition in the academic realm with a global and dynamic environment. The company is very open and collaborative, and there is a free and active exchange of ideas on a daily basis in pursuit of common goals. In addition to diverse backgrounds, many of our employees have university research experience, which creates an atmosphere that stimulates intellectual curiosity. By combining the areas of expertise that each member brings to the table, we are naturally able to take a multifaceted approach, which is indispensable in tackling the challenges of ESG analysis and evaluation consulting. In addition, each member takes the initiative and takes responsibility for his or her own work, which I feel is something that is not found in most Japanese organizations. This individual responsibility in each person's work seems to me to be an extension of what I was doing in the laboratory towards my own research project.

As a member of the team leading the sustainability field

My career path, which has led me from academia to the forefront of ESG consulting, has also been the result of translating knowledge into practical action, a path that has bridged the gap between theory and practice by putting new ideas into practice. aiESG is looking to expand our consulting services by using primary data analytical methods and ultimately help clients achieve their ambitious sustainability goals. I would also like to contribute to aiESG's growth as a member of the team leading the sustainability field.

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