The 4th Int. Conf. on Women in Physics (Apr. 2011, Stellenbosch, South Africa)
Workshop B2 “Leaving and Entering a Career in Physics” (I)One example of female physicist career:from housewife to university professor
Setsuko Tajima
Dept. Physics, Osaka University
Japan

What is the effects of interruption of aphysics career?
Of course, it depends how long it is.
You may be afraid of
being unable to return to Physics
losing a chance to get a permanent position
losing chances to study many things, or toattend international conferences, to go
abroad, etc.
losing ability as a researcher…..

My story as an example (1977 ~ 2004)
I was graduated from the Dept. of Applied Physics at Tokyo Univ.
but did not go to the graduate school because of my father’s strong
opposition. 1st interruption
2 years later, when I got married, I quitted my job as a company
researcher of semiconductor technology in order to go to Germany
with my husband. 2nd interruption
I had a chance to do research of semiconductor physics at the
University in Germany for one year. (Returning to Physics)
After coming back to Japan, I could not find a job because I was
pregnant. I was perfectly a housewife. 3rd interruption
My former supervisor recommended me to attend the weekly
seminar in his lab. (Research student for a half year)
My mother took care of my baby once a week when I went to theuniversity.  Returning to Physics??? (I cannot say so.)
Keeping only a very fine thread-like connection to academic
community

A half year later, the professor recommended me to do experiment in
his lab. (Employed as a part-time research assistant) Partially coming back to Physics community
My mother took care of my baby in the daytime of two days in a week.
I did only experiments at the university and did all other works(analysis of data, reading and writing papers, etc.) at home.
I had the second baby, but continued my research with help of mymother and a nursery. No plan for future but enjoying Physics
4 years later, the professor recommended me to write a doctor thesis.
He also recommended me to become a full time job as an assistantprofessor. Then, I decided to let my sons enter a nursery.
 Completely re-entering a career in Physics
One year later, I was promoted to a lecturer.
2 year later, I moved from the Tokyo University to theSuperconductivity Research Laboratory (SRL).
I worked there as a researcher/ a division director for 16 years.
When my younger son started to live independently as a university
student, I decided to apply a position at university.
The Osaka University accepted me as a full professor 6 years ago.

Key Points to Return
Have a strong intention to do research.
Keep a good relationship to your supervisors
and friends in Physics community.
Never give up and believe that you can return
as long as you continue to study with your best.
Be cheerful !
(A cheerful person can get more chances.)

What I learned from my experience
You can go back to Physics whenever you want.
Hot research subject is changing.
Even if you miss one subject because of your break,another interesting subject appears.
Three years are enough to become an expert in therelevant subject.
(Be not afraid of a break, or changing subject.)
Positive effects
Having a break strengthens your passion to Physics.
Having time to do other things (child care etc.) gives you
a fruitful life. Refreshing effectConcentrating on research in a limited time is very
effective. (from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)Thank you for your kind attention!