About the Institute
Welcome to the Institute for Nothing — a leading research organization dedicated to the theoretical exploration and practical application of nothingness. Established in 2021 in the Nullarbor Plain, Australia, our institute has quickly established itself as the premier academic center for the study of absence, voids, and zero-value systems.
Our Mission
The Institute for Nothing exists to advance the understanding of nothingness as both concept and reality. Our research explores the implications of absence across disciplines including mathematics, computer science, economics, physics, and philosophy. We believe that by understanding nothing, we can understand everything.
Our mission is threefold:
- To conduct pioneering research into the theoretical foundations of nothingness
- To develop practical applications of zero-value systems that address real-world challenges
- To foster interdisciplinary dialogue that expands our collective understanding of absence
Our Vision
We envision a world where the power of nothing is fully understood and harnessed for the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of society. The Institute aims to be at the forefront of this paradigm shift, challenging conventional thinking and opening new avenues of inquiry.
History
The Institute for Nothing was founded in 2021 by a group of visionary researchers who recognized the untapped potential of studying nothingness as a unified field. Choosing the remote Nullarbor Plain — whose name derives from the Latin “nullus arbor” meaning “no trees” — as our location was a deliberate decision that reflects our commitment to exploring absence and emptiness.
Starting with just five researchers and a modest research facility, we have since grown to house over 30 full-time researchers, numerous visiting scholars, and state-of-the-art research facilities. Despite our rapid growth, we remain committed to our founding principles: intellectual rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative thinking.
Research Focus
The Institute’s research spans multiple disciplines but maintains a cohesive focus on understanding the properties, implications, and applications of nothingness. Our current research priorities include:
- Computational Absence Theory: Developing algorithms and data structures that efficiently represent and manipulate absence
- Zero-Value Economics: Exploring economic systems that maintain stability through zero-value mechanisms
- Empty Set Mathematics: Advancing theoretical understanding of empty sets and their applications
- Null Physics: Investigating the role of voids and absence in quantum mechanics and cosmology
- Philosophy of Nothing: Examining the ontological and epistemological status of nothingness
Leadership
The Institute is led by a distinguished team of researchers:
- Dr. Makoto Hikisakeru - Executive Director and Chief Researcher
- Dr. Toru Hikimasu - Deputy Director and Head of Computational Absence Theory
- Dr. Emma Void - Director of Zero-Value Economics
- Dr. Alan Null - Head of Empty Set Mathematics
- Dr. Sophia Emptiness - Head of Philosophy of Nothing
Location
Our campus is situated in the heart of the Nullarbor Plain, Australia — one of the world’s largest karst landscapes and a region known for its vast emptiness. This unique setting provides both inspiration and practical context for our research into nothingness.
The remoteness of our location allows for an environment of deep contemplation and focused research, free from the distractions of urban life. Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to be environmentally sustainable, with minimal impact on the surrounding landscape — embodying our commitment to harmonizing with the emptiness we study.
Join Us
The Institute for Nothing welcomes collaboration with researchers, institutions, and organizations that share our interest in exploring the frontiers of nothingness. Whether through visiting fellowships, research partnerships, or attendance at our conferences and seminars, there are many ways to engage with our community.