Model Program to Support Female Researchers, FY 2010 Special Coordination
Funds for Promoting Science and Technology
Osaka Prefecture University “Public University Model for Lively and Active
Female Researchers”

FY 2010 Program Report
March 2011

Support Center for Women in Research of Osaka Prefecture University

I. Program Summary & Plan for Fiscal Year1

Model Program to Support Female Researchers, FY 2010 Special Coordination Funds for Promoting
Science and Technology Osaka Prefecture University“Public University Model for Lively and Active Female Researchers”
Program schedule: FY 2010 - FY 2012
Chief officer: Taketoshi Okuno (President, Osaka Prefecture University)[Summary]
With reform of Osaka Prefecture University into an university with stronger science program integrated with humanities
program, the Support Center for Women in Research was established under a steering committee headed by the
President, in order to organize university-wide support for female researchers in science. To build the environment
promoting support, a counseling office, a mentor program and a childcare center have been opened to provide support inscheduling work hours and assigning support personnel. Awareness reform is implemented throughout the university
organization through curriculum, lectures, etc. Role model bank has been created for career path development andcoordinated with Osaka Prefecture programs to contribute to the local communities and at the same time to boost the
number of women choosing to pursue study in the sciences. IT equipment is used in building the information
infrastructure. With these steps, the environment and awareness in this area are to be revamped on the university scale
to build the scheme for support of female researchers in the sciences and ultimately to make Osaka Prefecture
University’s contribution as a public university and to vitalize the programs of the prefectural government.

1. The Current State of the University
a. The Current State and Future Prospects for Women in Research
Osaka Prefecture University (OPU) is a comprehensive institution of higher learning consisting of seven
undergraduate and seven graduate schools in the fields of engineering, life and environmental sciences, science,
economics, humanities and social sciences, nursing and comprehensive rehabilitation, with doctoral programs for
all research courses. Under its basic philosophy of becoming an “advanced research-oriented university -- regional
center of trust reaching out into the world,” it is working on reinforcement and upgrade of its education andresearch organization that emphasizes the practical sciences. The University is oriented toward graduate levelstudies, with a student body of 6255 in undergraduate programs and 1512 in graduate programs (as of May 1,2009).
Of the students who graduated or completed baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs in FY 2006-2008,
women accounted for 38.7% (in baccalaureate courses), 26.1% (in master’s courses) and 27.7% (in doctoral
courses), showing levels roughly comparable to those of national universities (averaging 37.4%, 26.6% and 24.6%,
respectively from “5th Follow-up Survey on Gender Equality in National Universities”). However, the ratio of
women who graduated/completed studies in nursing and humanities/social sciences is high, while the ratio of thosein the three fields of science (engineering, life and environmental sciences and science) is only on the 10% level.
Looking into the percentages of women employed or newly recruited as researchers by the University during thepast three years, the figures for both those in employment and for those newly hired are significantly high in thearea of nursing care. In contrast, the ratio of women in the area of science research is at 6% (27 persons), andnewly hired female researcher numbered only one. In this field, the figures are not only low in number andpercentage of women but also are extremely unbalanced in terms of job rank. In particular, the ratio of professors
is extremely low, at less than 2% (in FY 2009). Due to these reasons, improvement in the number and also in
career development of women in science research has become an important issue to be addressed.
In terms of new recruits which can fluctuate widely by year, the ratio of women hired in FY 2009 reached 40%,
numbering 10 among the 25 recruits, vis-a-vis the number of female researchers at approximately 19% (140) for
the same year. Also, the ratio of women among assistant professors and teaching assistants for the University as awhole reached more than 26% (40). In addition, the female researchers recruited in the last three years are young,averaging 39 in age. In view of these facts, there is a very strong need to provide support to female researchers indealing with their work/research and families.
The University is presently taking steps toward drastic reform to achieve its next medium-range objectives. Under
its basic policy of “university reform through selection and consolidation,” decision has been made to strengthen
its science programs and consolidate humanities and science. In time with the reform, the University plans to2

organize university-wide awareness-raising reform and work on regional contribution activities in sync withprefectural government programs. Based on these, effort will be directed toward development of an support
scheme covering the entire University and aimed especially at women in science research.
b. The State of Progress in Female Researcher Support(1) “Basic Policy on Promoting Recruitment of Diverse Human Resources at Osaka Prefecture University”
To realize the University’s basic policy of becoming the public university center of knowledge that is trusted
by the local communities, it places importance on the three perspectives of “diversity,” “integration” and“internationalism” in realizing its basic philosophy of becoming an “advanced research-oriented university 
regional center of trust reaching out into the world.”
Founded on these perspectives, the University has developed the “Basic Policy on Promoting Recruitment ofDiverse Human Resources at Osaka Prefecture University” in the conviction that diversity is the fountainheadof energy in education and research in the future.
The Basic Policy focuses in particular on promotion of gender equality. At the same time, it aims at thedevelopment of an environment that encourages vitality of a diversity of talent not only of women but also ofyoung and foreign researchers. In the future, action will be taken to revamp the awareness and environment
among OPU personnel, to create a counseling support system, etc. The program is being implemented as partof the first program under the Basic Policy.
(2) “Leading University as a Base for Human Resource Development in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology”
program
OPU has its “Leading University as a Base for Human Resource Development in Nanoscience andNanotechnology” program adopted as an “Improvement of Research Environment for Young Researchers”(FY 2008-2012) project supported by Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science and Technology
from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). In employing 13 tenure
track faculty members, OPU has stated explicitly in its mission statement to create 20% priority quota forfemale researchers and has hired four at present, exceeding the quota limit. Additionally, the following support
measures are planned and implemented for female researchers hired by OPU.
1) Contract extension for childbirth, etc., (allowing extension of contract from normally five years to up to six
years)
2) Childcare service for researchers with children (mediation in use of nearby childcare facilities, etc.)
3) Creation of counseling office for female researchers (accepting a variety of inquiries)4) Mentor program (including female researchers at OPU; mentoring by especially designated professors orother faculty members)5) If the child is under three in age, support corresponding to the child’s age (assignment of support personnel
for research activities, formation of team to support women in teaching positions)(3) Working Group to Support Women in Research
In January 2010, the Working Group to Support Women in Research was formed under the executive director
in charge of general affairs. In coordination with the Women’s Studies Center set up under the Graduate
School of Humanities and Social Sciences, a survey was conducted on needs regarding creating a childcare
facility, etc. in the University. The survey canvassed 2698 faculty members, graduate students and researchersand gathered responses from 1092 (of which 26.2% were faculty members, 40.7% were graduate students andresearchers and 135 were female faculty members, graduate students and researchers). The trend of the
responses received from faculty members, graduate students and researchers (hereinafter referred to as“researchers”) resembled that of the administrative personnel. The respondents sought greater flexibility inwork hours, counseling for support in dealing with both work/research and family responsibilities and job
schemes such as work-at-home and hiring of assistance as “support if available” and “support I would like to
use if available,” showing that there is strong desire for on-premise childcare and other assistance services.
Because there had been a large number of men who responded to the survey, it inadvertently revealed also that
not only women but men also hoped for such assistance. When the data was examined in terms of gender gap,
it was found that more female graduate students and researchers clearly wished for mentoring compared to3

men. In view of the findings, university-wide support for researchers and employees of both genders andassistance to female researchers in science based on this basic framework are believed to aid female
researchers in science on the organizational scale and lead to the development of a model for theseresearchers.
(4) Women’s Studies Center, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Women’s Studies Center was established in 1996 at Osaka Women’s University. After its merger with Osaka
Prefecture University in 2005, the Center has been appointed a research organization under Osaka Prefecture
ordinance on promoting gender equality and the driving force of progress in the area. In addition to taking
charge of gender studies on the undergraduate and graduate levels, the Center organizes lectures, seminars andcolloquia for researchers, publishes bulletins, etc. At the same time, it is active in concluding partnerships with
universities in other countries, organizing symposia, etc., in order to upgrade awareness both inside OPU andelsewhere and to build a network in Japan and further afield. The Center has also been active in cooperatingwith Osaka Prefectural Government and business enterprises in promoting diversity in employment and insupporting work-life balance. Furthermore, the Center is planning lectures and seminars on support of OPU
female researchers in science in FY 2010, inviting OPU President Taketoshi Okuno and Dr. Kayo Inaba,
Director of Kyoto University Center for Women Researchers. As a research organization possessing network
extending to universities both in Japan and other countries and to government agencies, business enterprises,
etc., the Center is presently working on support of female researchers in science both at OPU and otherinstitutions, chiefly from the aspect of upgrading awareness, along with support of female researchers inbalancing work and family responsibilities.

2. Outline of the Plan
In implementation of the plan, a Steering Committee for Reform of the Female Researchers Support System headedby the university president is expected to take full charge. Under this committee, the Support Center for Women in
Research is to be formed for planning, alignment and management of activities in the area. The Center is to have a
director of the Center (general management), a coordinator (counseling liaison officer and management assistant),
clerical workers and a management committee made up of members selected from various parts of OPU. Action will
be focused chiefly on: (1) Improvement of the environment to provide support; (2) university-wide awarenessreform: (3) career path development; and (4) development of the support base. In organizing these activities, anassessment committee consisting of outside experts will be formed for evaluation of activities implemented for eachsingle fiscal year. The evaluation findings will be published, and the Center is to implement improvements based on
the findings.

3. Concrete Targets at Conclusion of the Plan Perioda. In the three years up to the end of the plan, the number of female researchers in science will be raised by 30%
over the current levelb. The ratio of female graduate students completing doctoral courses in science is to be raised to 25%
c. Mentoring scheme is to be created for young female researchers
d. Counseling office to be createde. Appointment of research assistants for female researchers in science facing problems related to childbirth, childcare, etc.
f. Development of a network with women in science and engineering outside OPU
g. Contribution to the local region through development and use of a “role model bank”

4. Activities after End of the Plan Perioda. Under the Basic Policy on Promoting Recruitment of Diverse Human Resources at Osaka Prefecture University,
an officer in charge of diverse human resources recruitment will be appointed to strengthen and upgrade thecomprehensive support organization.
b. The support organization is to be improved by utilizing evaluation systems both in OPU and outside, in order toprovide further support.

4

5. Anticipated Ripple Effects
a. Advancement of the research level of female researchers in science and awareness change among university
personnel, through university-wide reform.
b. Promotion of the role model for female researchers in science by means of contribution to the local community by
utilizing the programs under Osaka Prefectural Government.

6. Executive Organization
The Steering Committee for Reform of the Female Researchers Support System headed by the university president is
expected to take full charge. Under this committee, the Support Center for Women in Research is to be formed forplanning, alignment and management of activities in the area. The Center is to have a director of the Center (generalmanagement), a secretariat (consisting of the coordinator and clerical workers) and a management committee
consisting of members selected from across the organization.
Under the director, the management committee consisting of committee members and the secretariat is to discuss
activities and to report the results to the Steering Committee for Reform of the Female Researchers Support System.
Each committee member serves as a leader of a group, each group taking charge chiefly of one of the following areasof activity.
Each group is to work in coordination with relevant divisions and departments inside and outside OPU in
implementing various measures. At the same time, it is responsible for reporting the results and ex post facto
evaluation to the management committee. The coordinator responsible for the Secretariat is to oversee administrationof the Center’s comprehensive management from the clerical standpoint. Additionally, the coordinator also offeringcounseling liaison function, accepting a wide range of inquiries and making arrangements for suitable support. It isalso responsible for reporting to the management committee information obtained in the course of such activities, inorder to apply findings into improvement of the support system in the future.
An assessment committee consisting of outside experts will be formed for evaluation of Management
Committee-approved activities implemented for each single fiscal year. The evaluation findings will be published,
and the Center is to implement improvements based on the findings.

5

Members of the Steering Committee*: ChairTaketoshi Okuno*

President

Masakazu Anpo

Executive Director (Academic Affairs & Research), Director of Library and
Science Information Center & Director of Research Organization for the 21stCentury

Masahiro Terasako

Executive Director (Educational & Student Affairs) & Director of Student Center

Masashi Sugano

Executive Director (University-Industry-Government Cooperation & Social
Contribution), Director of Organization for University, Industry and Government
Cooperation

Hiroshi Masaki

Executive Director (General Affairs)

Masato Tsujida

Executive Director (Management)

Yoshiharu Tsujikawa

Dean, Graduate School of Engineering

Shunji Kosaki

Dean, Graduate School of Life & Environmental Sciences

Hirokazu Maekawa

Dean, Graduate School of Science

Koji Yamamoto

Dean, Graduate School of Economics

Hiroko Hagiwara

Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Emiko Takamizawa

Dean, School of Nursing

Masahide Imaki

Dean, School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation

Yoshihisa Yamaguchi

Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences

6

Members of the Management Committee and Secretariat
Name

Job title & organizationRole in the Plan

Yasuko Tama

Professor, School of Humanities
and Social Sciences
Director, Support Center for
Women in Research

Chair & Executive Officer, Support Center
Management Committee

Kumiko Ida

Professor, School of Humanities
and Social Sciences
Director, Women’s Studies Center

Deputy Chair & Awareness Promotion
Activities, Support Center Management
Committee

Yukie Majima

Professor, Faculty of Liberal Arts
and Sciences

Member, Support Center Management
Committee & Telework Environment &Information Support

Yuko Hosokoshi

Professor, Graduate School of
Science

Member & Science Group Officer, Support
Center Management Committee

Takekazu Ishida

Professor, Graduate School ofEngineering

Member, Support Center Management
Committee, coordination with “Leading
University as a Base for Human Resource
Development in Nanoscience andNanotechnology” program

Nobuhiro Sugimura

Professor, Graduate School ofEngineering

Member & Science Group Officer, Support
Center Management Committee

Kazushige Ogawa

Professor, Graduate School of Life
& Environmental Sciences

Member & Science Group Officer, Support
Center Management Committee

Miyuki Nakayama

Professor, School of Nursing

Member & Health Care Counseling, Support
Center Management Committee

Kiyomi Tateyama

Lecturer, School ofComprehensive Rehabilitation

Awareness Promotion Activities, Support
Center Management Committee

Midori Wakabayashi

Assistant Professor, School of
Economics

Childcare Center Opening & Management,
Support Center Management Committee

Atsushi Matsui(Revision after application)

Assistant chief, Personnel Section,
General Affairs

Flextime Work Scheme, Support Center
Management Committee

Sayuri Katsushima(Revision after application)

Chief, general coordination,
General Affairs Division

Support for administrative action

Mariko Tatsumi

Coordinator, Support Center for
Women in Research

Planning & management of the program ingeneralYumiko Anzai

Support Center for Women in
Research

General program support

Hiroe Seki

Support Center for Women in
Research

Public relations and information

Naoko Ogata

Support Center for Women in
Research

Career path development and promotion ofwider application

7

FY 2010 Program Plan
1. Development of an environment to support female researchers
Establishment & meeting of university-wide steering committee, management committee & external
assessment committee; establishment and management of Support Center for Women in Research;organization of Support Center opening event; development of “role model bank”; opening of counselingoffice; telework support; assignment of research assistants; creation of mentoring scheme; rounds byhealthcare professionals, website opening and other actions to build the support environment.
2. University-wide awareness reform program
Open seminars, etc., by role models held to foster greater understanding for female researcher support andcultivation of work-life balance culture.
3. Career path development and promotion of wider application
 Prominent women in scientific research both in Japan and other countries invited as role models to appear ininternational seminars and role model invitation seminars. Also, Science Café set up as venue for exchange
inside OPU and for career path counseling female students in science programs.
 Female students in science sent to elementary and junior high schools in Osaka Prefecture as lecturers, incooperation with Osaka Prefectural Government and Sakai City. Also, Children’s Science Campus, etc.,
organized and implemented on campus under the leadership of female students in science programs.
4. Development of the support framework
Development of information support scheme necessary for the program. Specifically, requests received by thecounseling office in 1 regarding educational guidance of students, continuation of research and tests, meeting
participation, etc., from home via web camera, providing support such as web camera installation (in locations
inside OPU), loan of PC with web camera for a certain period of time, security management, and otherservices
5. Childcare facility opening & management (program exempted from subsidy coverage)
Childcare facility to be set up at the Nakamozu Campus Health Control Center scheduled to open in 2011
6. Incentive program (program exempted from subsidy coverage)
Study into incentives, such as academic society participation support of top female science students toparticipate in international seminars and workshops.

8II. Plan Report9

FY 2010 List of Plan Activities* Numerical figures in parentheses show the number of frequency.

Date
2010
May 21 (Fri)
June 1 (Tue)
16 (Wed)30 (Wed)30 (Wed)July 2 (Fri)
6 (Tue)6 (Tue)12 (Mon)23 (Fri)
24 (Sat)24 (Sat)
Aug 2 (Mon)
7 (Sat)7 (Sat)8 (Sun)10 (Tue)
10 (Tue)
17 (Tue)
31 (Tue)Sep 1 (Wed)
9 (Thu)15 (Wed)27 (Mon)28 (Tue)
29 (Wed)Oct 1 (Fri)
1 (Fri)1 (Fri)1 (Fri)1 (Fri)5 (Tue)6 (Wed)7 (Thu)15 (Fri)18 (Mon)18 (Mon)19 (Tue)

Plan description
Resolution adopted
Preparations start for opening of the Support Center for Women in Research (hereinafter
called “Support Center”)
Coordinator recruitment for Support Center
Science Café (1) held
Survey of other universities (Kyoto University)
Science Café (2) held
Steering Committee (1) convened
Management Committee (1) convened
Start of clerical employee recruitment for Support Center
Summary presentation of the plan in lecture (Graduate School of Engineering)“Hayabusa” role model invitation seminar & lecture held
Women’s Studies continuing lectures
Interview survey of female science researchers at OPU (until Sep 9)
Preparations start for Support Center website & Role Model Bank system
Open Campus“Female Science Students Section” held
Start of research support personnel matchingChildcare Facility Preparations Committee (1) convened
JST visit to OPU
Role Model Bank development (1): Recruitment from Hibunkai (Osaka Women’s
University alumnae association)
Start of research support personnel recruitment (assignment to researchers (1)) (until Nov30)*1. Refer to (6)Childcare Facility Preparations Committee (2) convened
Childcare Facility Preparations Committee (3) convened
Summary report at Osaka Prefecture Gender Equality Council
Information exchange with other universities (Nara Medical University & Wakayama
University)
Childcare Facility Preparations Committee (4) convened
Recruitment of research support personnel (assignment to researchers (2)) (until Mar 31,
2011)
Start of plan summary presentation in lectures (until 26th: Life & Environmental Sciences,
Science & graduate schools in the field of science)
Support Center website startup
Start of Role Model Bank system
Support Center counseling office opened
Participation in the Joint Symposium for Reform of the Female Researchers Support
SystemParticipation in Symposium of Japan Inter-Society Liaison Association Committee for
Promoting Equal Participation of Men and Women in Science and Engineering
Presentation meeting for childcare facility users
Recruitment of research support personnel (researchers (3)) (until Mar 31, 2011)
Science Café (3) held

10

Nov 1 (Mon)
2 (Tue)4 (Thu)5 (Fri)6 (Sat)12 (Fri)
14 (Sun)
14 (Sun)Dec 1 (Wed)
2 (Thu)3 (Fri)10 (Fri)
28 (Tue)2011
Jan 4 (Tue)
4 (Tue)7 (Fri)12 (Wed)12 (Wed)20 (Thu)
27 (Thu)
Feb 2 (Wed)
4 (Thu)10 (Thu)
23 (Wed)Mar 2 (Wed)
4 (Fri)5 (Sat)11 (Fri)
Undecided
16 (Wed)19 (Sat)

Recruitment of research support personnel (researchers (4) (5)) (until Mar 31, 2011)
Women’s health counseling office opened
Development of Role Model Bank (2); Recruitment from Sharp Corp.
Support Center pamphlet publishedChildren’s Science Campus held (Shirasagi Festival)
Newsletter (1) issued
Kickoff symposium held
Startup of female researchers discussion group and call for participation
Recruitment of research support personnel (researchers (1)-2) (until Mar 31, 2011)
Management Committee (2) convened
Female researchers discussion group: Lunch meeting (1)External evaluation committee: Start of member selection
Call for applications in Female Graduate Students in Science Awards
Recruitment of information & publicity personnel & officer in charge of wider applicationfor Support Center
Recruitment of research support personnel (researchers (6)-1&2) (until Mar 31, 2011)
Survey of other universities (Miyazaki University)
Acceptance starts for FY2011 applications for research support personnel assignment
Web questionnaire survey (until Jan 31)
Start of telework support PC with web camera loans
Childcare facility construction starts
Start of screening for Female Graduate Students in Science Awards
Appointment of committee members for next year starts
External evaluation committee: Document review
Open screening for Female Graduate Students in Science Awards
Plan presentation at Science Council of Japan (as selected public university)
Management Committee (3) convened
Survey of other universities (Tohoku University)
Newsletter (2) issued
Female researchers discussion group: Lunch meeting (2)Steering Committee (2) convened
Open seminar “Work for Women in Science” held11

1. Development of an environment to support female researchers(1) Steering Committee established and convened
Steering Committee headed by the university president was established to promote reform of the female
researcher support system on a university-wide scale and convened twice during the current year.
Also, cooperation requests, counseling, reports, etc., related to the program were made as needed throughthe liaison councils for directors, division heads, etc., and also on individual basis in order to build acoordination and cooperation system covering the entire university.
(a) First meeting (July 6, 2010, at Conference Hall, Building A1, Nakamozu Campus)
 Summary of the Osaka Prefecture University Program under the Special Coordination Funds for
Promoting Science and Technology
 Appointment of the program officer
 Confirmation of management committee management guidelines
 Appointment of committee members
 Program policy for the current fiscal year(b) 2nd meeting (March 16, 2011, at Conference Hall, Building A1, Nakamozu Campus)
 Program report for the current academic fiscal year Female researcher support program for the coming fiscal year and later & program organization
 Program plan for the coming fiscal year

(2) Management Committee established and convened
Members of the Management Committee for the Support Center were selected from various divisions anddepartments in the University to facilitate program implementation and convened three times during thecurrent fiscal year.
The various programs had been divided among the members, with each member taking action in each field.
Each member was involved also in planning and administration, as well as negotiations, and served as amajor force in promoting the program.
(a) First meeting (July 6, 2010, at General Affairs, Building A1, Nakamozu Campus)
 Introduction of the members
 Program summary Various guidelines
 Program plan and division of roles for the current fiscal year Others(b) 2nd meeting (December 2, 2010, at Conference Hall East, Building A1, Nakamozu Campus)
 Program report for the current fiscal year & future schedule
Activities generally implemented as planned
 Program plan & organization for the coming fiscal year and later
Number of members increased by one each for the large Graduate School of Engineering and
Graduate School of Life & Environmental Sciences located at a separate campus, in order tostrengthen action.
Regional contribution & coordination had been extremely inadequate and has become an issue
to be addressed in the coming fiscal year.
Review will be conducted on the form and how the mentoring scheme will be implemented.
 External evaluation committee
 Coordination and division of roles between female researcher support and other projects inside OPU
12 Incentive for assigning female graduate students to international conferences, etc.
 Others
Alongside university-wide restructuring in the final fiscal year (2012), the committee members,
etc., will be reviewed. At the same time, the program is to be integrated into university routine
schemes to maintain continuity after program termination.
(c) 3rd meeting (March 4, 2011, at Conference Hall East, Building A1, Nakamozu Campus)
 Program report for the current fiscal year & future schedule Program plan & organization for the coming fiscal year and later
 External evaluation committee Plan for expanding the base for women in science Others13(3) External Evaluation Committee established and convened (Feb 2011)
In order to evaluate the Plan from the third-party perspective, an external evaluation committee wasformed with selection and appointment of outside members.
Also, the committee received the report of plan activities during the current fiscal year and conductedevaluation based on submitted documents. General assessment was not done on documentation alone butwith the visit by committee chair Professor Inaba to the Management Committee meeting in March, togive a direct assessment.
(Members of the external evaluation committee)*: Chair (other members listed in Japanese kana order)

Kayo Inaba*

Director, Kyoto Unversity Center for Women Researchers; Professor, Graduate
School of Biostudies; Ph.D., science

Kazuhiro Azuma

Senior Manager, Social & Industrial Design, Research Division, Japan
Research InstituteTamie Kainou

Director & Deputy President, Ochanomizu Women’s University, member ofGender Equality Subcommittee, Science Researcher Committee, Science
Council of Japan; M.A. Law

Akiyo Mizoguchi

Director, Sankei Living Shimbun, Inc.

(4) Establishment of the Support Center for Women in Research (June 1, 2010, Nakamozu Campus)
From June 1, preparations started on the establishment of the Support Center for Women in Research,which is to serve as the main promoter of the plan and to engage in planning, alignment and administrationof activities in the area. The coordinator for the Support Center was recruited on June 16, followed byclerical employees hired in July 12. Headed by the Support Center director, the Center started operationin earnest.
In response to subsequent growth of work volume with expansion of activities, an employee in charge of
information and publicity and another employee in charge of the program for expanding the base of female
researchers were hired from January 4, increasing the number to five (see Secretariat member list).
The Support Center is located on the 2nd floor of OPU’s Nakamozu Campus headquarters (Building A1),
easily accessible to General Affairs Coordination Office, as well as the personnel, general administrationand management planning sections, for excellent communication. In late March 2011, it was transferred to
the newly built building housing the University child care center (Tsubasa Hoikuen), which is roughly at
the center of Nakamozu Campus, making it most readily accessible for coordination with other divisions
and departments.

(5) Interview survey of female researchers (July 26 - November 30, 2011, at Nakamozu Campus & Rinku
Campus)Of the 23 female science researchers (faculty members) belonging to the graduate school of engineering,
life and environmental sciences and science, as well as the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Humanities andResearch Organization for the 21st Century, 18 (78.2%) requested interviews, which were conductedaccordingly. The interviewees came from all of these University organizations, with age ranging from the
20s to 50s and job rank from assistant processors to professors. The survey was conducted not only atNakamozu Campus but also at Rinku Campus. (No relevant divisions or departments at Habikino
Campus.)
The interview consisted of an outline presentation of the program, an inquiry into the needs of theresearchers themselves and also the needs of female graduate and undergraduate students around them. Of
the needs reported, those that are covered by the support program were followed up after the interview
with the assignment of research support personnel (see (6) described later) and loan of PCs with web
14

cameras to be used for telework support (see 4. (1) described later).
(6) Research support personnel assignment(September 1, 2010 - March 31, 2011, at Nakamozu Campus & Rinku Campus)
During the current fiscal year, eight research assistants were assigned to six female researchers (faculty
members).
Initially, personnel assignment anticipated deployment of “special task support personnel A” and “special
task support personnel B” for assistance in laboratory tests, etc., and created the quota newly under OPU
personnel regulations. However, support personnel for “administrative assistance” and “technicalassistance” were also assigned to meet the needs of target researchers.
Research support personnel

FY2011 result

Support target

Organization

Researcher (1)Research Organization
for the 21st Century

Researcher (2)Researcher (3)Researcher (4)Researcher (5)Researcher (6)Graduate School ofEngineering
Graduate School of
Science
Graduate School of
Science
Graduate School of Life
andEnvironmental
Sciences
Faculty of Liberal Artsand Humanities

Period(1) Sept. 1 - Nov. 30(2) Dec. 1 - Mar. 31
Oct. 1 - Mar. 31
Oct. 18 - Mar. 31
Nov. 1 -Mar. 31
Nov. 1 -Mar. 31(1) Jan. 1 - Mar. 31(2) Jan. 1 - Mar. 31

Support personnel
job ranks
Special task support
personnel B
Special task support
personnel B

Number of
workdays
2 days a week
(Tue & Thu)

Technical assistant

5 days a week

Administrative
assistantSpecial task support
personnel B
Special task support
personnel B
Technical assistant
Administrative
assistant

3 days a week

Notes

5 days a week
starting February

5 days a week
5 days a week
3 days a week

4 days a week
starting January

7 days a month
1 day a week

<Job rank of research support personnel>
Basically, personnel were selected acorrding to their academic background and experiences.
 Special task support personnel A: person with doctoral degree or equivalent Special task support personnel B: person with master’s degree or equivalent Administrative or technical assistant: selected from persons on which the two of aforementioned
categories do not apply(7) Coordination with other organizations
1. Research & surveys(a) Participation in the symposium “Childcare Leave for Men, Too: My Work and Career Design Series
2”(June 30, 2010, at Kyoto University; attended by: Mariko Tatsumi)
Kyoto University had been chosen for the FY 2006-2008 Model Program to Support Female
Researchers and FY 2009-2014 Accelerated Reform of Female researcher Training System projects
and is a pioneering organization in the Kansai area in promoting support of female researchers. The
symposium featured a panel discussion on actual case studies of married couples, all of which bothwere young working researchers. Participation enabled understanding of the problems of young
couples raising small children. Also, the goodwill exchange that followed the symposium aided in
exchange of information with other organizations that were represented at the symposium.
[Important notes]
 Young married researchers who take care of small children very often experience one of thepartner assigned to a remote job location, due to issues in their respective research career andwork, unlike those working for business corporations. In most cases, childcare becomes the15

responsibility of one partner (most often women), revealing the serious burden that female
researchers must bear.
 In the course of learning from experiences of others, it was found that research support personnel
schemes and childcare facilities on university grounds are essential support for female researchersin pursuing their careers.
[Important points that was applied to OPU program] Swift assignment of research support personnel
 Method of managing programs and method of publicity both inside and outside the university(b) Participation in the Joint Symposium for Reform of the Female Researchers Support System(Oct 5 & 6, 2010, at Kyoto University; attended by: Yasuko Tama & Mariko Tatsumi)
At the symposium, organizations that have been selected for “Model Program to Support Female
Researchers” and “Accelerated Reform of Female Researcher Training System” assembled. Over a
period of two days, there were poster presentations, group discussions, reports on various programs
and panel discussions. Participation in these sessions enabled exchange of detailed information on
programs underway at other organizations.
[Important notes]
 Participation enables access to further details on practice that do not show in reports and on
websites.
 In learning programs in practice at other organizations, the participants reaffirmed the importanceof “university-wide” promotion and, for this purpose, the importance of message and action by the
top directors, especially the president and deans.
[Important points that was applied to OPU program] Through cultivation of a network in this way, it has become easier to exchange information andstudy other universities and to apply the findings on plan implementation.
 Participation of the president and directors in lectures, etc., as well as contributions to newsletters,
was promoted aggressively to publicize that the OPU program is an university-wide project.
(c) Participation in Symposium of Japan Inter-Society Liaison Association Committee for Promoting
Equal Participation of Men and Women in Science and Engineering(Oct 7, 2010, at Riken Wako Institute; attended by: Mariko Tatsumi)
The participant attended the poster presentation and lectures, etc., at the symposium organized by
the Japan Inter-Society Liaison Association Committee for Promoting Equal Participation of Men
and Women in Science and Engineering. Information was exchanged with participatingorganizations on actual practice, and information on developments in gender equality at science
societies was obtained as well.
[Important notes]
 There were opportunities to listen to reports by female researchers, who are on the other side of
the support scheme, enabling examination of female researcher support from a multilateralperspective, rather than from the side of the support provider.
[Important points that was applied to OPU program] Through cultivation of a network in this way, it has become easier to exchange information andstudy other universities and to apply the findings on plan implementation.
(d) Participation in Miyazaki University Gender Equality Symposium(Jan 7, 2011, at Miyazaki University; attended by: Mariko Tatsumi)
Miyazaki University had been selected for the FY 2008-2010 female researcher support model
development program, which is in its final fiscal year. The symposium was organized to conclude
program efforts. The head of various departments and divisions (including research and employee
administration) took the podium to speak on the ratios of women in various departments, the reason
16

for them and action to be taken in the future. In the working group workshop that followed, theuniversity president and deans participated for open exchange of views with other participants(chiefly faculty members). Nearly all of the participants wore the “Childcare Badge & Seal” and“Childcare Support Badge & Seal” showing that the university’s effort in raising awareness bore
fruit during the three-year period.
After the symposium, the participant was able to exchange information with Miyazaki University’s
female researchers support staff, as well as representatives of Kyushu University and Iwate
University that had participated. In particular, the network of female researcher support in the
Kyushu and Okinawa regions that involved both Miyazaki University and Kyushu University has
grown into an important factor in promoting female researcher support programs in each university.
Expansion of its network in the Kansai area in the future should be taken into consideration.
[Important notes]
 The importance of executing the program as a university-wide effort was reaffirmed.
[Important points that was applied to OPU program] The “Childcare Badge & Seal” and “Childcare Support Badge & Seal” used at Miyazaki
University was to be examined for application at OPU.
(e) Participation in the 1st Gender Equality Symposium at Kwansei Gakuin University(Jan 22, 2011, at Kwansei Gakuin University; attended by: Mariko Tatsumi)
Kwansei Gakuin University became the first private university in the Kansai region to embrace theissue. The symposium was organized as a kickoff event. Lectures and panel discussion were
followed by exchange of information, during which the participant was able to speak not only withfemale researcher support personnel at other universities but also representatives of businessenterprises who participated as panelists.
[Important notes]
 A large number of students were deployed for guidance and organization at the symposium venue,
to make it an opportunity for their participation in the program.
[Important points that was applied to OPU program] Ideas on development of reference materials and method of distribution(f) Participation in Tohoku University Science Angel program report meeting(March 5, 2011, at Tohoku University; attended by: Mariko Tatsumi & Kana Kuroda, in first year of
doctorate course in engineering at OPU)
Tohoku University had been chosen for the FY 2006-2008 Model Program to Support Female
Researchers and FY 2009-2014 Accelerated Reform of Female Researcher Training System projects
and widely recognized for its effective deployment of female graduate students in natural sciences,
known as Science Angels.
OPU participated in the event to prepare for similar effort planed for the next fiscal year at OPU.
This time, female graduate student in engineering who is scheduled to be active in the effort
participated along with the coordinator. After the meeting, the participants were able to speak withthe personnel in charge of Tohoku University’s Science Angels and graduate students who are active
as Science Angels. Science Angels is a program aimed at promoting the presence of women inscience as role models for children in elementary, junior high and high schools. Not only that, the
Science Angels themselves were able to find their own role models among older students andresearchers. Because such a network is vital for female graduate students in science courses andpursuing careers in the area, it is hoped that such a program is embraced at OPU.

17

(g) Visit to Mie University(March 15, 2011, at Mie University; attended by: Yasuko Tama & Mariko Tatsumi)
Mie University had been selected for the FY 2008-2010 female researcher support model
development program.
It is coordinating action with seven universities, vocational colleges and research organizations in
the region. The participants were informed of the regional coordination to be organized in a fullscale at the University, starting next fiscal year.
2. Information exchange(a) Nara Medical University & Wakayama University(Sep 28, 2010, at Tama Laboratory, Nakamozu Campus; participants: Yasuko Tama, Mariko Tatsumi,
and Officers Funano, Sato and Katsushima from the General Coordination Office)
Four representatives of Nara Medical University and Wakayama University, where preparations areunder way to promote female researcher support under the Model Program to Support Female
Researchers, Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science and Technology, visited OPU forpresentation of the state of action at the universities, explanation of the activities and background of
the program at OPU and exchange of information.
The opportunity to build future cooperation was created through exchange with universities innearby prefectures.
In the presentation and Q&A session on OPU program, its importance and future development
would be reaffirmed.

(8) Counseling office created(a) Support Center counseling office created (Oct 1, 2010)
In order to respond to inquiries from women regarding continuing their careers in research, theSupport Center counseling office was opened. Here, the coordinator accepts inquiries and offers
information on the support program for female researchers, enabling active application of the
program. Regarding the acceptance of inquiries, they are accepted regardless of time and date, solong as the Support Center door is open. Also, there is a phone line dedicated exclusively forcounseling, as well as Support Center e-mail address, for female researchers to consult at any time
and with ease.
The fact that there had been zero inquiries during the fiscal year is believed to be due to aninterview survey of female researchers described in (5) conducted to actively gathering needs and toprovide support.
(b) Women’s health counseling office created (Nov 1, 2010)
Healthcare personnel and midwives conduct inspections in the campus to examine research andother workplaces from the aspect of health. When requested, they accept inquiries regarding healthfrom both female faculty members and students.
The health examinations are conducted at all campuses, at Nakamozu Campus from November 1
and also at Rinku Campus and Hibikino Campus from December 1.
There have been five personal inquiries, all of which were at Nakamozu Campus. This is believed tobe due to the fact that announcement of the inspection tour was highlighted excessively in publicity,
causing information regarding acceptance of personal inquiries diminished from view. Furthermore,
there are many other counseling offices at OPU, making ideas in publicizing personal inquiries anddifferentiation of this counseling office from others necessary in the future. At the same time, action
must be taken through the Steering Committee to appeal to the heads of various divisions anddepartments to encourage faculty members to seek advice any time, even during work hours.

18

19

(9) Kickoff symposium held
(Nov 14, 2010, at Multipurpose Hall, Academic Exchange Building, Nakamozu Campus: 93 participants(18 students, 18 faculty members, 37 university employees & 20 from the general public)
The symposium was held as a kickoff event for the female researcher support program at OPU. It was
beneficial as an opportunity to examine into the female researcher support program from a multilateralperspective, learning from administrative authorities, the role model graduate from Osaka Women’s
University, a female researcher who had continued to work while raising children, etc.
Also, many OPU faculty members attended the symposium. The event presented the opportunity forfaculty members who were not directly involved in the past to learn more about OPU’s female researcher
support program. However, student attendance was small, possibly due to the event taking place on Sunday,
and must be re-examined in the future.
By inviting representatives of government organizations and alumnus adds guest speakers, a network ofpeople was created for future coordinated action.
The event took place on a Sunday, when daycare facilities and schools are closed. For this reason,childcare service was provided for the first time under the program. Five children ranging in age from one
to first grader were accepted. In the future, careful attention will be paid to provide childcare service
actively for such events, depending on the date of the event.
The symposium was followed by a goodwill get-together at the University cafeteria next to the venue,
during which exchange took place among the speakers and invited guests, OPU faculty members andstudents and others involved in female researcher support at other universities.
Information on the symposium was published in the 2nd newsletter issued in March.
<Program> Keynote Address: The Current State of Female Researchers and Expectations on Osaka Prefecture
University
Shuichiro Itakura, Knowledge Infrastructure Division,
Science and Technology Policy Bureau, MEXT Role Model Lecture: Expectations in Female Researchers for the Future
Hideko Kojima, Director, Women’s Career Center(?), Ehime University;
Professor, Faculty of Engineering Keynote Lecture: Creating Molecules: Chemistry and I
Kyoko Nozaki, Professor, School of Engineering, University of Tokyo; Saruhashi Prize winner<Guest>Masahiro Fukuda, Prefectural Culture Department, Osaka Prefecture (reading a message from theGovernor)
Toshihiro Haga, Deputy Mayor, Sakai City (reading a message from the Mayor)
Kazuyuki Imoto, Chairman, Koyukai (Osaka Prefecture University alumni association)
Aki Hamaguchi, President, Shiratorikai (Osaka Prefecture College of Nursing alumni association)
Message from Mitsuko Terahashi, President, Hibunkai (Osaka Women’s University alumnae
association)<Participation>

Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)Yasuko Yamamura, Program officer
Noriaki Nagahata, Senior Researcher(10) Female researchers discussion group: Lunch meeting(a) December 3, 2010, at Conference Hall East, Building A1, Nakamozu Campus; five participants
The female researchers discussion group was organized by Assistant Prof. Chihiro Nakagawa of the20

Graduate School of Engineering, as part of the effort to build a female researcher network in OPU.
The meeting this fiscal year drew seven participants from both fields of humanities and science.
Also, it was attended not only by faculty members but also doctoral course students.
The lunch meeting organized during lunch break drew five participants. It consisted ofself-introductions and exchange of information. Due to the lack of opportunities for female
researchers to meet each other if not in the same course, even when they belong to the samedepartment or school, this presented an opportunity for them to know each other beyond their names
and to exchange information in the future. Also, the participants varied widely in job title and age,creating a good opportunity for building a network of diverse persons.
The lunch meeting concluded with promise to create similar opportunities for a number of times ayear in the future and to build the network.
The Support Center plans to support such voluntary effort by female researchers through publicity,
system-building, etc. In particular, the social network service for female researchers and mentoring
scheme scheduled to be implemented in the next fiscal year and later, the Center plans to take action
with active attention to the opinions of this discussion group.
(b) March 16, 2011, at Conference Hall East, Building A1, Nakamozu Campus(11) Role Model Bank system development(a) Role Model Bank development (Aug 31, 2010, at Hibunkai (Osaka Women’s University alumnae
association)
In cooperation with the alumnae association of the Osaka Women’s University, one of thepredecessors of current OPU, prospective role models to participate in the program were recruited
via mail. There have been 21 applications. Despite the fact that this method of recruitment is notvery cost effective, the action was taken to serve also as publicity to OPU alumnae in the fields ofscience.
Through this effort, a scheme for cooperation with Hibunkai was developed, linking to therecommendation of prospective research support personnel. Also, an alumnus could be invited to
speak as role model at the kickoff symposium on November 14, and the president of the Association
offered to give a congratulatory address.
(b) Startup of Role Model Bank system (Oct 1, 2010)
The Role Model Bank system was created, in which prospective role models were asked to registerand later be deployed as speakers at Science Café, seminars, etc., and also as research support
personnel, etc. In the future, registration will be encouraged from those belonging to alumni
associations, government offices and business enterprises, alongside action to build regional
coordination.
(c) Role Model Bank development (Nov 4, 2010, at Sharp Corp.)
In cooperation with Sharp Corp., prospective role models to participate in this program wererecruited by mail. Inquiries into seven OPU graduates in the fields of science resulted in applicationfrom one graduate.
(d) Role Model Bank use
The Role Model Bank developed as mentioned earlier is being utilized actively for solicitation andrecruitment of research support personnel, personnel in charge of expanding the base of female
researchers for the Support Center, call for contributions to “Role Model Essay” for its newsletters,
inquiries for lecturers at open seminars, etc.
Unfortunately, contributions to “Role Model Essay” and participation as lecturers at open seminars
21

were not possible, with respondents unable to accept invitations due to busy schedule, commitments,
etc. However, application on a wide range is scheduled in the coming fiscal year and later, withpublication of interviews of persons registered in the Role Model Bank conducted by OPU female
graduate students on the Support Center website and newsletters.

(12) Awareness survey on the program(a) Web survey (Jan 12-31, 2011)
A survey was conducted on OPU faculty members and graduate students. This was aimed atmeasuring the level of awareness toward the program, in order to build an environment thatfacilitates women in their effort to deal with work/study and family/private life. Unfortunately, thenumber of responses were few (36), which was inadequate for analysis. For this reason, paper-based
inquiry was conducted (see (b) below).
(b) Questionnaire survey (Feb 9-22, 2011)
The cooperation of various departments and divisions was solicited in distribution and collection of
the questionnaire forms.
Because the survey was conducted at a time when students do not come to the university often, theforms were distributed and gathered chiefly from faculty members and researchers. In the graduate
schools of engineering, life and environmental sciences and science, the cooperation of various
support offices enabled distribution at each laboratory and to graduate students in the field of
science.
Number of copies: 1600 / Number collected: 805 (50.3%)

2. University-wide awareness reform program(1) Women’s Studies lecture series (July 24, 2010, at Academic Information Center, Room 605, Building B3,
Nakamozu Campus; 38 participants)
The 4th installment of the women’s studies lecture series “Challenge to Cross the Boundary(?)” sponsoredby the Women’s Studies Center featured the introduction of OPU’s female researchers support programand presentation of pioneering cases at Kyoto University and University of Turin.
<Lectures>
 “Osaka Prefecture University’s Challenge to Cross the Gender Barrier” by Taketoshi Okuno, OPU
President
 “The State of Progress in Female Researcher Support: Activities at Kyoto University”
Kayo Inaba, Dir. of Kyoto University Center for Women Researchers Panel Discussion
Kayo Inaba, Dir. of Kyoto University Center for Women Researchers
Mutsuko Morimoto, Special Researcher(?), JAXA/JSPEC; OPU alumnus
Taketoshi Okuno, OPU President<Seminar> “Issues in Activities of Female Researchers” -- Kayo Inaba, Dir. of Kyoto University Center for
Women Researchers
 “Challenges at the University of Turin in Italy” -- Kumiko Ida, Women’s Studies Center director, OPU(2) Summary presentation of the plan in lectures(13 times on July 23 & October 1-26, 2010, at Nakamozu Campus & Rinku Campus; total of 491,
averaging 30 - 40 participants per lecture)
22

The first presentation held in July was organized on requests from special lecturer Chie Kojima of the
Research Organization for the 21st Century (in charge of courses at the Graduate School of Engineering).
Support Center coordinator appeared at lectures, given roughly 10 minutes to speak before the end of classto present the program outline. Because this was the first time the female researcher support program waspresented to male students, questions regarding “why only women” had been anticipated. However, theresponse was good, and the students listened with interest. When childcare facility was mentioned, theresponse was particularly good for both male and female students.
For this reason, cooperation was solicited from both undergraduate and graduate schools of engineering,
life and environmental sciences, and science to speak before start of lecture. Faculty members in charge of
13 classes accepted, and similar presentations were held as part of lectures and guidance.
Thanks to presentation by the lecturer during class time, the students listened with interest. Also, entries
were accepted on the name of the OPU childcare facility, and one of the students was selected.
In the future, the presentation is scheduled to become part of OPU routine processes at the various
departments and divisions when organizing guidance at the start of the fiscal year.

(3) Website startup (Oct 1, 2010)
A website was set up to introduce the program to viewers. This enabled timely presentation of publicity
information and reports regarding the program.
Although business reports could not be published, with issue of program notices taking up much of thetime at the start, appointment of a person to take charge of publicity and information starting in January
2011 lead to improvement of website content.
Support Center for Women in Research URL: http://www.opu-genki.jp(4) Pamphlet publication (Nov 5, 2010)
A pamphlet was published to introduce the program to the public. This has facilitated presentation of thegeneral image of the program.
Also, active use of the pamphlet led to a shortage of copies (1500 copies printed). In February 2011,
additional 1000 copies were printed.

(5) Newsletter publication (Nov 12, 2010 & March 2011)
Newsletters were published twice, to present an outline of the program and its current state of progress tothe public at large.
The first newsletter published in November focused on presentation of the program summary. For thisreason, copies were distributed as part of the awareness-raising effort to all faculty members and to
students and researchers in their 4th year or higher at various laboratories of the undergraduate andgraduate schools of engineering, life and environmental sciences, and science. In distributing copies,
management committee members and support offices at each graduate school cooperated in assessing thenumber of persons at each laboratory and in distributing copies to laboratories.
Through this effort, network with the support offices of the undergraduate and graduate schools wascreated and contributed immensely to subsequent publicity activities.

(6) Childcare (Support) Badge/Seal Campaign (March 2011)
A campaign was organized in time with opening of the university childcare facility in April 2011. This is
aimed at promoting greater understanding toward child care at the University, as well as to foster greaterattention to work/life balance for faculty members, by handing out pin badges or seals (to be attached tofaculty member name tags) showing either that the wearer is “presently raising children” or “supporting23

childcare.”In the case of Miyazaki University where this program had been implemented, a network of faculty
members wearing “presently raising children” badges and seals developed as a result. Also, with theuniversity president and other top faculty members wearing “supporting childcare” badges and seals, it isreported that understanding toward the female researcher support program improved.
In the future, campaigns such as “closing meetings by 5 PM” will be implemented alongsideawareness-raising campaigns, in order to realize work/life balance for faculty members.

(7) Open seminar (March 19, 2011, at Science Hall, Nakamozu Campus)
The seminar was held as part of “3. Career path development and promotion of wider application.” It wasorganized for female junior high and high school students and their guardians considering studies inscience, as well as for female students at OPU’s undergraduate and graduate schools in science. In thedrive to expand the scope of women in science, creating an opportunity to listen to women alreadyengaged in work or research in science helps increase the number of female junior high and high school
students to choose science and of female students studying science at OPU to consider career paths bylistening to those who work in organizations and those who have started up their own businesses.
<Lectures> Yoshiko Higashiyama, President, Estrolabo
 Fumika Matsuyama, Manager, Kansai System Section, Field Services, Mitsubishi Electric Information
Network Corp.
 Kana Kuroda, first-year doctoral student (worked after completing a master’s degree and returned to
study to become a researcher)(8) Transparent folder pamphlet distribution (March 2011)
A transparent folder pamphlet featuring the program was published as permanent reference of the program.
This has been used at OPU events and distributed to OPU personnel, including faculty members andgraduate and undergraduate students, as well as to participants in the open seminar described in (7).

3. Career path development and promotion of wider application(1) Science Café held(a) 1st meeting: June 30, 2010, at Room 230, Building A13, Nakamozu Campus; 17 participants
Lecturer: Dr. Lydie Valade, deputy director, Complex Chemistry Research(?), CNRS, France
Interview and discussion (in English) were held. This event was publicized via mailing list, etc., forfemale graduate students in science. The event was moderated by a female graduate student inscience. Because the lecturer had been staying as a member of OPU’s advisory board, participants
had the opportunity to learn about the lecturer’s research in person and found this meetingproductive because they had been able to learn about her private life as well. Also, it became a great
opportunity to build recognition of the female researcher support program at OPU among the female
researchers and graduate and undergraduate students.
Also, sense of participation in the event was improved with each participant wearing a name seal
when giving self introductions. It took place in a relaxing atmosphere, while drinking tea. However,there had been instances in which students not particularly competent in English was not able tounderstand what was going on.
(b) 2nd meeting: July 2, 2010, at Room 323, Building A13, Nakamozu Campus; five participants
Lecturer: Mariko Aso, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemo-Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty24

of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University
Interview and discussion were held. This event was publicized via mailing list, etc., for female
graduate and undergraduate students in science.
Because the participants were able to listen to female researchers in a small group setting, it becamea good opportunity for researchers and students who are busy in their research projects to look into
how they are to live as researchers, include the aspect of private life. Also, it became a great
opportunity to build recognition of the female researcher support program at OPU.
(c) 3rd Cafe de Vita 2: Oct 19, 2010, at Rinku Campus; 11 participants
Lecturer: Yasuko Rikihisa, Prof., College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University
The lecturer spoke very frankly about her path in research, studying in a foreign country, postdoc
studies, American universities, etc., followed by exchange of information. The participants wereable to introduce themselves and speak of what to do in the future. It was a very fruitful meeting,leading to the session exceeding the time limit.
Rinku Campus had already started its effort to present female role models to students under the
CAFÉ･DE･VITA program organized by a faculty member in the Graduate School of Life andEnvironmental Sciences. For this reason this meeting was hosted jointly with the Support Center.

(2) Lecture: Mozu & Hayabusa: Deep Space Exploration from My Perspective(Jul 24, 2010, at Nakamozu Campus; 140 participants)
Lecturer: Mutsuko Morimoto, Special Researcher(?), JAXA/JSPEC; OPU alumnus in Graduate School ofEngineering
The lecturer spoke of her thoughts on her involvement in the deep space explorer Hayabusa and its
successor as a scientist, as well as handling research while being mother to two children. She also
expressed her thoughts as message to younger women aspiring to pursue science. Also, it became a great
opportunity to build recognition of the female researcher support program at OPU among the high school
students, OPU students, and the public at large. With a large number of people drawn to the event becauseof the outstanding news value of the name “Hayabusa,” the program was able to present a role model for
female researchers. This also drew media coverage by two newspapers and publication of articles on alater date.
Ms. Morimoto participated as panelist also in the Women’s Studies lecture series held in the afternoon of
the same day on the theme of female researcher support. She had also contributed her “Role Model Essay”
for the newsletter issued in November.

(3) Plan for expanding the base for women in science(a) Open Campus: Move on, Women in Science: Speaking with Older Students(Aug 7-8, 2010, at Small Hall(?), Academic Exchange Building, Nakamozu Campus; 130
participants)
The event was organized as a small-group discussion meeting for female high school students andothers preparing for university entrance as showing interest in science. Female graduate andundergraduate students at OPU spoke on their research projects and life at the University and also
responded to questions from the younger students. For publicity, the Open Campus event was
publicized in advance on the OPU website. Also, leaflets were distributed along with other referencematerials at the University presentations held in the morning of the same day at the schools ofengineering and science. At the same time, students spoke to promote interest in science.
Because the group was made up only of women and discussion took place while drinking tea, theparticipants appeared relaxed and was able to ask many questions and in great detail. Some of thehigh school students came to Open Campus exclusively for this “Women in Science” event.
25

In addition, the female students who answered the questions appeared to have enjoyed it and felt
motivated, seen female students aspiring to pursue the same path of science, especially because they
are studying in an environment consisting mostly of men.
However, there had been a surprisingly large number of high school students and others working on
university admission, that the venue was too small to accept all of the participants. High school
students who wanted to hear from various schools were not able to move smoothly. In some groups,
the number became too large for answering questions. In the coming fiscal year, a larger venue must
be secured for the event. There were also a large number of parents and guardians in attendance. A
graduate student in a group where the number of high school students was small made an ad hocpresentation of her own experiences, earning good response from the parents who had been anxiousof having their daughters pursue science. In the next event, it is necessary to have graduate students
present from the start to deal with the parents and guardians.
On a later date, OPU students received e-mails from high school students, who said they were“motivated to study for university admission and will work hard to enter Osaka Prefecture
University.”(b) Children’s Science Campus at Shirasagi-sai: Nov 6, 2010, at Building B3, Nakamozu Campus; 54
participants)
Following a speech and video presentation by Prof. Sugiura of OPU graduate school of engineering,female graduate and undergraduate students in engineering guided children in the assembly of“solar grasshoppers” from a science kit using solar battery, teaching them the joy of manufacturing.
Although the number of advanced applications was small, the project that had been organized aspart of the University festival Shirasagi-sai, children and parents visiting the University wereencouraged to attend, drawing a large number of participants.
(c) Booth participation in the Christmas event (Dec 23, 2010, at Multipurpose Hall, Academic
Exchange Building, Nakamozu Campus; 50 participants)
The Support Center participated in the Christmas event organized by OPU’s Volunteer Center, in abooth titled “Fun Science Experiments.” On call from the Volunteer Center, elementary school
students in the nearby communities attended.
The booth featured female graduate and undergraduate students in engineering teaching children thejoy of science by using science experiment kits (making slime and cubic kaleidoscopes). Slimemaking was particularly popular, creating a long queue of children waiting their turns.

4. Development of the support framework(1) PCs with web cameras loaned out to researchers (from Jan 20, 2011)
PCs with web cameras were loaned out to female researchers (faculty members) when working from home,to enable them to provide guidance to students, instructions on research experiments, participation inmeetings, etc., from home. This fiscal year, four PCs have been loaned out to two applicants.

5. Childcare facility opening & management (program exempted from subsidy coverage)(1) Committee for preparing childcare facility on OPU premises
A preparation committee was set up for construction and management of a childcare facility at the
University.
The committee engages in recruitment and selection of management service providers for the childcare
center, opening up meetings for prospective users, recruitment and screening of prospective users,
solicitation of entries and selection of the winner in a childcare facility name contest.
This fiscal year, the committee met as shown in the following schedule. Screening of prospective users in26

the 2nd round recruitment was done by e-mail.
First meeting : August 10, 2010
2nd meeting : September 9, 2010
3rd meeting : September 19, 2010
4th meeting : September 29, 2010
5th meeting : November 8, 2010
<Recruitment of child care facility management service provider and selection schedule>Aug 12, 2010 : Announcement of the recruitment guidelines
Aug 16-20 : Acceptance of questions
Aug 25: Response to questions
Sep 3: Deadline for application submission
Sep 9: Documentations screening
Sep 15: Presentations
Sep 15 & 21 : Field inspection of applicants who participated in the presentations
Sep 29: Final screening & selection<State of applications for childcare facility use>
Normal child care applications:
Six in a first-round recruitment; five approved
Secondary recruitment: two applications; one scheduled to be approved(applications still being received)
Number of children scheduled to enter: six (includes applicants for other authorized childcare
centers in nearby communities)* Applications that have been rejected: one in first-round recruitment; one in the 2nd roundrecruitment is the same as in the first round. The rejection is based on the fact that one of theguardians is unemployed and does not satisfy the facility used regulations.

(2) Childcare facility presentation meeting (October 15 & 18 2010, at Multipurpose Hall, Academic Exchange
Building, Nakamozu Campus)
Simultaneous broadcast at Habikino and Rinku campuses; 12 participants
The presentation featured the days and hours, fees, etc., regarding the childcare center to open in April
2011. The childcare service provider Cosmos participated to give an explanation of how children will
spend their time at the facility.

(3) OPU childcare facility “Tsubasa Nursery” survey on temporary childcare needs (Jan 20 - Feb 4, 2011)
If the capacity of 10 children is not met at the childcare facility, temporary childcare (on one-day basis) is
being planned within the capacity limit. Although 2nd round recruitment had been organized for normal
full childcare, there had been a large number of inquiries regarding temporary childcare. For this reason, asurvey was conducted prior to advance registration of prospective users. In the survey, there were six casesof perspective temporary use.

(4) Open call for entries on the name of the childcare facility
The name of the childcare facility was solicited from members and students of OPU. After screening by
the preparation committee, the facility was named “Tsubasa Nursery.” The student who proposed the namewas given a commemorative gift.
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<Schedule for the contest for the name of the childcare facility>
Oct 15 - 29, 2010 : Announcement by e-mail to faculty members, OPU website and posters
Nov 8: Screening and decision by Childcare Facility Preparations Committee
Announcement of the name on OPU website
Nov 30: Commemorative gift to the student who proposed the namePresentation of prizes published on OPU website

6. Incentive program (program exempted from subsidy coverage)(1) Screening for Female Graduate Students in Science Awards
The objective is development of young female researchers able to work on the international level, byencouraging participation in international academic conferences, etc.
This fiscal year, applicants were recruited and screened from female graduate students (including those in
their 5th and 6th years of veterinary medicine in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences) forpresentation at international conferences, etc., by August of next year. The final screening was held as anopen session, with the top and outstanding students selected. The top and outstanding students will be
provided with coverage of travel expenses, etc., to international academic conferences, etc., held next
fiscal year.
Recruitment period : Dec 28, 2010 - Jan 21, 2011
First-round screening : Documentations screening
Final screening: Presentation in English in an open screening session(Feb 23, 2011, at Room 117, Building B3, Nakamozu
Campus)
Subsidy value: Up to ¥150,000 for winner (one)Subsidy value: Up to ¥50,000 for outstanding students (up to five)(Applications)Three from Graduate School of Engineering; one from Graduate School of Life & Environmental Sciences(Screening results)
Winner: Kana Kuroda (1st year in doctorate course in engineering)

Outstanding recognition : Miki Ueno (1st year in doctorate course in engineering)
Outstanding recognition : Noriko Kawamoto (1st year in doctorate course in life and environmental
sciences)
Outstanding recognition : Yui Matsumoto (1st year in master’s course in engineering)

7. Regional cooperation & coordination(1) Osaka Prefecture Gender Equality Council (Sep 27, 2010, at Osaka Prefecture Auditorium; 15 participants)
A presentation on the program was given to the members of the Gender Equality Council, etc., at its 26th
meeting. The presentation concluded with the addition of “promotion of gender equality in all fields” as apriority area in Osaka Prefecture’s Gender Equality Basic Plan and to enter development of female
manpower in science and engineering as part of the plan. Because this basic plan is to be promoted by an“all-Osaka” drive joining the government, business enterprises, various organizations, universities, etc.,
OPU was able to gain action on its program as part of the scheme of cooperation and coordination.
Because some of the members represent businesses in Osaka, OPU was able to gain approval of concrete
implementation of the program as “regional cooperation.”28

Therefore, the recommendations of the Osaka Prefecture Gender Equality Council to be submitted in
January 2011 were to include choice of science by female students and other aspects of OPU’s support
program. Secondly, Osaka-based business representatives of the Council assisted in recommending OPU
alumni in science as role models.
(2) Kickoff symposium (mentioned earlier)
In holding the symposium, cooperation of the sections for gender equality, NPO and university affairs at
Osaka Prefecture’s Prefectural Culture Department was received, with the message from the Governor
read by the head of the Prefectural Culture Department. From Sakai City where OPU’s Nakamozu Campus
is located, the message from the Mayor was read by the deputy mayor, as part of cooperation by the city’s
section on promoting gender equality. This is expected to lead to a wide range of cooperation in the future.
Furthermore, Support Center director and coordinator held a presentation to the three alumni associationsof OPU, asking for attendance or message in support of the program. This is expected to lead to a wide
range of cooperation in the future.

8. Others(1) Media coverage by the Science News
(March 4, 2011, at Osaka Prefecture University)
Support Center Director Tama was interviewed on the program, with OPU selected as one of theuniversities with the “Model Program to Support Female Researchers” project. The article is scheduled to
be featured in April.

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III. Guidelines, Summaries, Regulations, etc.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Summary of the Osaka Prefecture University Program under the Special Coordination Funds for Promoting
Science and Technology
Profile of the Support Center for Women in Research of Osaka Prefecture University
Management Guidelines for the Osaka Prefecture University “Public University Model for Lively and Active
Female Researchers” program
Management regulations for the Counseling Office, Support Center for Women in Research
Management regulations for Osaka Prefecture University “Public University Role Model for Lively andActive Female Researchers”
Management regulations for the Women’s Health Counseling Office, Support Center for Women in Research
Guidelines for incentives and awards to female graduate students in science under the Osaka Prefecture
University “Public University Model for Lively and Active Female Researchers” program
Management guidelines for the External Evaluation Committee, Osaka Prefecture University “Public
University Model for Lively and Active Female Researchers”

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