Model Program to Support Female Researchers,
Funds for the Development of Human Resources in Science and Technology
Osaka Prefecture University“Public University Model for Lively and Active Female Researchers”

FY 2011 Program Report
March 2012

Support Center for Women in Research of Osaka Prefecture University
1

I. Program Summary & Plan for Fiscal Year2

1. Program Summary
Model Program to Support Female Researchers
FY 2012 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 a university with stronger science program integrated withhumanities 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 theenvironment promoting support, a counseling office, a mentor program and a childcare center have been opened toprovide support in scheduling work hours and assigning support personnel. Awareness reform is implemented
throughout the university organization through curriculum, lectures, etc. Role model bank has been created forcareer path development and coordinated 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 usedin building the information infrastructure. With these steps, the environment and awareness in this area are to berevamped on the university scale to build the scheme for support of female researchers in the sciences andultimately 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 those3

in 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), and newly
hired female researcher numbered only one. In this field, the figures are not only low in number and percentage ofwomen 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 careerdevelopment 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 tostrengthen its science programs and consolidate humanities and science. In time with the reform, the University
plans to organize university-wide awareness-raising reform and work on regional contribution activities in sync
with prefectural government programs. Based on these, effort will be directed toward development of a 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 fountainhead ofenergy 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.
(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 and4Nanotechnology” 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 for female researchers andhas hired four at present, exceeding the quota limit. Additionally, the following support measures are planned andimplemented 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 Schoolof 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 researchers and gathered
responses from 1092 (of which 26.2% were faculty members, 40.7% were graduate students and researchers and
135 were female faculty members, graduate students and researchers). The trend of the responses received fromfaculty members, graduate students and researchers (hereinafter referred to as “researchers”) resembled that of
the administrative personnel. The respondents sought greater flexibility in work hours, counseling for support indealing with both work/research and family responsibilities and job schemes such as work-at-home and hiring ofassistance 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 to men. In
view of the findings, university-wide support for researchers and employees of both genders and assistance tofemale 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 these researchers.
(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

5

of gender studies on the undergraduate and graduate levels, the Center organizes lectures, seminars and colloquia
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 and elsewhere andto build a network in Japan and further afield. The Center has also been active in cooperating with Osaka
Prefectural Government and business enterprises in promoting diversity in employment and in supporting
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 touniversities both in Japan and other countries and to government agencies, business enterprises, etc., the Centeris presently working on support of female researchers in science both at OPU and other institutions, chiefly fromthe aspect of upgrading awareness, along with support of female researchers in balancing 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
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 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 andmanagement assistant), clerical workers and a management committee made up of members selected fromvarious parts of OPU. Action will be focused chiefly on: (1) Improvement of the environment to provide
support; (2) university-wide awareness reform: (3) career path development; and (4) development of the support
base. In organizing these activities, an assessment committee consisting of outside experts will be formed forevaluation of activities implemented for each single fiscal year. The evaluation findings will be published, andthe 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 researchersd.

Counseling office to be createde.

Appointment of research assistants for female researchers in science facing problems related to childbirth,child care, 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

6University, an officer in charge of diverse human resources recruitment will be appointed to strengthen
and upgrade the comprehensive support organization.
b.

The support organization is to be improved by utilizing evaluation systems both in OPU and outside, inorder to provide further support.

5. Anticipated Ripple Effectsa.

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 for planning, alignment and management of activities in the area. The Center is to have a directorof the Center (general management), a secretariat (consisting of the coordinator and clerical workers) and amanagement 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 areas of 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
administration of the Center’s comprehensive management from the clerical standpoint. Additionally, thecoordinator is also offering counseling liaison function, accepting a wide range of inquiries and making
arrangements for suitable support. It is also responsible for reporting to the management committee
information obtained in the course of such activities, in order 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.

7

8

Members of the Steering Committee (as of March 2012)*ChairName
Taketoshi Okuno*

Job title (organization)
President & Dean
Executive Director (Academic Affairs & Research), Vice President, Director

Masakazu Anpo

(Research Organization for University-Community Collaborations), Director of
Library and Science Information Center & Director of Research Organization forthe 21st Century

Hiroshi Masaki

Executive Director (General Affairs)

Masato Tsujita

Executive Director (Management)

Yoshihiko Imai

Executive Director (Public Affairs)

Hiroyuki Nagasawa

Executive Director (College of Technology)

Yoshiho Ikeda

Dean, School and Graduate School of Engineering

Shunji Kosaki

Dean, School and Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences

Hirokazu Maekawa

Dean, School and Graduate School of Sciences

Koji Yamamoto

Dean, School and Graduate School of Economics

Hiroko Hagiwara

Dean, School and Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Emiko Takamizawa

Dean, School and Graduate School of Nursing

Shinichi Takabatake

Dean, School and Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation

Tetsuya Takahashi

Director (Organization for Higher Education Development) & Vice President

Masahiro Terasako

Director (Organization for International and Scientific Exchange) & Vice President

Tadayoshi Takeuchi

Director (Student Center) & Vice President

Atsuhiko Yoshida

Dean of Academic Group No. 1

9Hideo Hayashi

Dean of Academic Group No. 2

Koichi Takatsuji

Dean of Academic Group No. 3

Shuichi Okuda

Dean of Academic Group No. 4

Members of the Management Committee (as of March 2012)

Name

Job title (organization)

Job functions

Director, Support Center for
Yasuko Tama

Women in Research

Chair, Management Committee

Professor, School of Humanities

Executive Officer

and Social Sciences
Kumiko Ida

Yukie Majima
Yuko Hosokoshi
Hideo Ezoe

Professor, School of Humanities

Deputy Chair

and Social Sciences

Officer in charge of Awareness Reform andDirector, Women’s Studies Center

Betterment Activities

Director, Organization for General

Officer in charge of work-at-home environment

Education Researchdevelopment and IT support

Professor, Graduate School of

Officer in charge of Science Group (Open

Sciences

Campus, etc.)

Lecturer, Graduate School of

Officer in charge of Science Group (Graduate

Sciences

Student Team, etc)

Professor, Graduate School ofEngineering
Takekazu Ishida“Leading University as a Base for
Human Resource Development in
Nanoscience andLiaison officer for “Leading University as a Basefor Human Resource Development in Nanoscienceand Nanotechnology” program

Nanotechnology” PO
Nobuhiro Sugimura
Kazuko Morizawa
Kazushige Ogawa
Michihiko Kataoka

Professor, Graduate School of

Officer in charge of Science Group (Female

Engineering

Graduate Student Awards, etc.)

Associate Professor, Graduate

Officer in charge of Science Group (Graduate

School of Engineering

School Team, Open Campus, etc.)

Professor, Graduate School ofLife and Environmental Sciences

Officer in charge of Science Group

Professor, Graduate School of

Officer in charge of Science Group (Graduate

Life and Environmental Sciences

Student Team, etc)10Miyuki Nakayama
Kiyomi Tateyama
Midori Wakabayashi
Norio Yamamoto

Professor, School of Nursing

Officer in charge of health counseling office

Lecturer, School ofComprehensive Rehabilitation

Officer in charge of awareness promotion activities

Associate Professor, School of

Officer in charge of childcare center opening andEconomics

management

Assistant chief, Personnel Section,
General Affairs

Officer in charge of flextime work scheme

Secretariat (as of March 2012)
Chikae Funeno

Masahiko Matsuda
Sayuri Katsushima
Mariko Tatsumi

Chief, general coordination, General
Affairs Division
Assistant chief, general coordination,
General Affairs Division
Chief clerk, general coordination, General
Affairs Division
Coordinator, Support Center for Women in
Research

Administrative affairs management
Administrative affairs management
Administrative affairs management
Operation management

Yumiko Anzai

Support Center for Women in Research

Administrative officer

Hiroe Seki

Support Center for Women in Research

Public relations and information

Naomi Oonari

Support Center for Women in Research

Personnel and general affairs
Officer in charge of career path

Kimiko Arikawa

Support Center for Women in Researchdevelopment and promotion of wider
application

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2. Results of the First Year and Program Plan for the Current Year
（１） FY 2010 Results
1. Development of an environment to support female researchers
Establishment of the Support Center for Women in Research, assignment of coordinator &opening of counseling office, development of a mentor scheme for female researchers, creation ofa network for female researchers, research assistant assignment, work-at-home support, etc., at
OPU, construction & preparations for childcare center at OPU, creation of health counselingoffice and preparations for support and challenges for female researchers in science

2. University-wide awareness reform
Awareness reform at OPU, lectures and various events at and outside OPU, evaluation and reform(creation of an outside evaluation committee)

3. Career path development
Creation of a role model bank, preparations for collaboration with government administrators &business enterprises, open campus and other events and career path support for advancement on
the global stage

4. Development of the support framework
Installation of IT equipment for work-at-home support, preparations for development of a human
network system and website production（２） FY 2011 Plan
１）

Development of an environment to support female researchers
Management of a counseling office at the Support Center, introduction of a mentor scheme forfemale researchers, assignment of research assistants, support in work-at-home schemes, openingof OPU childcare center, management of health counseling office and challenge support for
female researchers in science

２）

University-wide awareness reform
Awareness reform at OPU, lectures and various events at and outside OPU, preparations forcollaboration with leading-edge foreign universities and evaluation and reform (creation of an
outside evaluation committee)

３）Career path development
Management of a role model bank, preparations for collaboration with government administrators12

& business enterprises, open campus and other events and career path support for advancement on
the global stage
４）

Development of support framework
Installation and maintenance of IT equipment for work-at-home support, development of a human
network system and information service via website

13II. Plan Report

14

1.

Development of an environment for female researchers（１） Steering Committee convened
Steering Committee headed by the university president convened twice to promote action on auniversity-wide scale. Because the last committee meeting for the previous year was held in March, thefirst meeting convened in October.
Due to the change of Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science and Technology changed into
subsidy from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology during the current
year, the program has been merged together with “Leading University As a Base for Human Resource
Development and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology,” “Advanced Manpower Development Program
under Regional and Industrial Initiatives” and “Advanced Education Program for Innovative Leaders
Contributing to Industries and Communities” that had been designated for Special Funds support two
years earlier than indicated in the project application. The steering committee has also beenreorganized as “Steering Committee for Human Resources Development in Science and Technology.”
Additionally, 20 new members, including the heads of academic groups, in step with University
reorganization.
Also, cooperation requests, counseling, reports, etc., related to the program were made as needed
through the liaison councils for directors, division heads, etc., and on individual basis, in addition tocommittee meetings.
① 1st Meeting Agenda (Oct 11, 2011, Nakamozu Campus)
Results for FY 2011 and Schedule for the Current Year
Role Model Seminar
Organization of the Support Center② 2nd Meeting Agenda (March 6, 2012, Nakamozu Campus)
Results of the Current Year and Future Program Schedule
Program plan for the coming fiscal year
Continuation after program termination（２） Management Committee meetings
The Management Committee for the Support Center convened three times in the effort to facilitate
program action. Although members of the Management Committee have been selected from all schools
and departments, 2 members have been added from the science-related divisions starting the current
year, in order to strengthen support to the academic divisions in sciences. In the actual implementationof the program, the committee members served as a major driving force in talks with other academic
divisions and in planning and managing the program.

15

① 1st Meeting Agenda (May 27, 2011, Nakamozu Campus)
Introduction of the committee members and organization of the Support Center
Meeting dates of the Steering Committee
Report of the final findings on the “Questionnaire Survey on Faculty Member andGraduate Student Support”
Reports on interviews with female researchers
The state of accomplishment of the Mission Statement
Budget and program plan for the current year
Revision of the “Role Model Bank Management Regulations” and request to recruiters tosolicit role model entries② 2nd Meeting Agenda (Oct 4, 2011, Nakamozu Campus)
Report on results of the current year
Program plan for the coming fiscal year
Organization of the Support Center
Continuation after program termination③ 3rd Meeting Agenda (February 22, 2012, Nakamozu Campus)
Results for the current year and future program schedule
Program schedule for the coming fiscal year and organization of the Support Center
Continuation after program termination（３） Sciences Group Meeting (April 11, 2011, Nakamozu Campus)
The Sciences Group has been formed by management committee members in sciences, in order tostrengthen support for the academic group. The meeting was held in April, followed by planning, etc.,
conducted in e-mail conferences.
Startup of the Sciences GroupAward program
Seminars & lectures
Open Campus（４） External Evaluation Committee convened (Feb 2012)
In order to obtain third-party evaluation of the program, members of the External Evaluation
Committee have been informed of the program report for the current year and were asked to give theirevaluations. (See page xx for evaluation details)

16

(Members of the external evaluation committee)
Kayo Inaba**: Chair (other members listed in Japanese kana order)

Director, Kyoto Unversity Center for Women Researchers; Professor, Graduate
School of Biostudies; Doctor of Science

Kazuhiro Azuma

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

Professor Emeritus, Ochanomizu Women's University; Member, Science
Council of Japan; Master of Laws

Akiyo Mizoguchi

Director, Sankei Living Shimbun, Inc.

（５） Management of the Support Center for Women in Research (Nakamozu Campus)
In response to the growth in administrative volume with greater program activity, one new employee
has been added as personnel in charge of personnel and general affairs starting in June, with the Center
operating with a workforce of six, including its director.
（６） Assignment of research assistants (Nakamozu Campus & Rinku Campus)
8 research assistants have been assigned to the 7 female researchers (faculty members) in sciences,
who have problems in finding time for research due to pregnancy/childbirth or childcare (youngest
child in the sixth grade or younger).

FY 2011 Results on Research Assistants
Supported researchers

Organization

Duration

Assitant job title

Number of days worked

Researcher 1

Research Organization for the 21stApr 1 - Mar 31
Century

Special assignment assistant B

6 hrs/day x 5 days/week

Researcher 2

Graduate School of Engineering

Jun 15 - Mar 31

Technical support personnel

6 hrs/day x 5 days/week

Researcher 3

Graduate School of Engineering

Oct 1 - Mar 31

Administrative support personnel

7 hrs/day x 1 days/week

Researcher 4

Graduate School of Life andEnvironmental Sciences

Apr 1 - Mar 31

Special assignment assistant B

4 hrs/day x 4 days/week

Graduate School of Life andEnvironmental Sciences(1) Aug 1 - 31

Special assignment assistant B

6 hrs/day x 5 days/week

Researcher 5(2) Sep 1 - Jan 31

Special assignment assistant B

8 hrs/day x 17 days

Apr 1 - Mar 31

Administrative support personnel

8 hrs/day x 4 days/week

Researcher 6

Graduate School of Sciences<Job title of research assistants>
Assistants are being selected in accordance with their academic and career background as a general
rule.
・Special assignment assistant A: Person with doctorate degree or equivalent・Special assignment assistant B: Person with master's degree or equivalent・Administrative or technical assistance: Person who does not fall into the categories above17

（７） Work-at-home support (lending of PC with web camera)PCs equipped with web camera have been lent to female researchers to which research assistants
described in (6) have been assigned, in order to enable such researchers to engage in research at home,provide instructions to their research assistants at the university, provides student guidance, participate
in conferences at the university, etc. During the current year, three sets (6 units) have been loaned to 3
researchers.
（８） Counseling office management
１）

Support Center counseling

The coordinator of the Support Center provided counseling on support measures, etc., for women
to continue pursuing research. Counseling hours were not fixed, offering such service while theSupport Center is open. The number of counseling incidents during the current year had been 15,
including interviews with female researchers and inquiries related to Tsubasa Childcare Center.
Counseling and inquiries regarding admission to Tsubasa Childcare Center numbered more frommen than women (4 inquiries from men; 1 from a woman), showing the need for support of men inbalancing work and private life.
The issues to be addressed in the future include the need to make improvements to enable more
effective use of the counseling office. However, active interview of female researchers by the
Support Center is being considered for the coming fiscal year, following the two previous years.
２）

Female health counseling

Maternity nurses provided personal health counseling to female faculty members and students at
all campuses (monthly; twice at Nakamozu Campus, once at Rinku Campus & once at Habikino
Campus). Starting July,“mini-seminars” were held during lunch hours of the counseling days,
partly to promote greater awareness of the availability of personal counseling. The mini-seminars
are attracting more participants, although small in number, with each event. There have been casesof participants seeking personal counseling after the seminar. The number of mini-seminar
participants totaled 79persons.
The next issue to be addressed is to promote awareness of this service further within OPU and to
introduce ideas that encourage participation and use.
３）

Mentor counseling
The mentor counseling program has been in operation at OPU since 2008 under the "Leading
University as a Base for Human Resource Development and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology," aproject under the "Improvement of Research Environment for Young Researchers" of the Ministryof Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). For female researchers hired as
tenure-track faculty members, there are mentors providing support in the area of research(includes men) and mentors for female researchers

18

Additionally, the Support Center has conducted studies into development of schemes that areconvenient for female researchers at OPU through female researcher discussion groups (see (9)below) and interviews with IRIS following examples at other institutions. However, design of an
appropriate scheme could not be finalized under the conditions at OPU. The Center plans to create
many opportunities for female researchers and graduate students to meet in the future, throughdiscussion groups, role model seminars, Science Cafe, etc., as well as seminars organized partly toprovide mentoring, based on the exchanges on the Female Researcher SNS website (see (10)below) that had been created in the current year.
（９） Female researchers discussion group: Lunch meetings① 1st meeting (Jul 25, 2011, at Nakamozu Campus; 10 participants)② 2nd meeting (Nov 22, 2011, at Nakamozu Campus; 8 participants)
Lunch meetings were held under the initiative of female researchers, as part of the drive to build a
network of female researchers at OPU. A wide range of women attended, ranging from those inmaster's programs to professors in both humanities and sciences. The meetings are expected to beorganized voluntarily by participants, with each taking turn as meeting coordinator.

（１０） Startup and administration of female researcher SNS (Feb 2012)
SNS website was set up following a proposal from the female researcher discussion group described in(9), as a cyberspace venue for women in the fields to exchange information. In the design of thewebsite, the discussion group and IRIS were asked to form an SNS preparation working group, inorder to hear the opinions of the people to actually use the service. In February through March 2012, it
was used by members of the discussion group and IRIS on experimental basis and is scheduled forfull-scale startup of the all of OPU with start of the new fiscal term. This service is expected to help
build a network of female researchers at separate campuses.

SNS Preparation Working Group (organization as of March 2012)
Name

Job title/organization or year

Notes

Yukie Majima

Professor, Organization forManagement Committee member, Female

Higher Education

Researcher Discussion Group & Support

Development

Center for Women in Research

FumiyoAssociate Professor,

Female Researcher Discussion GroupKiyohara

Organization for Higher
Education Development

ChihiroAssociate Professor,

Female Researcher Discussion Group

Nakagawa

Graduate School of

coordinator

Engineering

19

Ayaka Tani

2nd year in master's courseIRIS

in life and environmental
sciences)
Mariko Tatsumi

Coordinator, Support Center
for Women in Research

Hiroe Seki

Support Center for Women

Public relations and information

in Research
Kimiko Arikawa

Support Center for Women

Officer in charge of career path development

in Researchand promotion of wider application (IRIS)① 1st Meeting (Sep 6, 2011, Nakamozu Campus)② 2nd Meeting (Oct 20, 2011, Nakamozu Campus)③ 3rd Meeting (Feb 15, 2012, Nakamozu Campus)（１１） Pamphlet & newletter release
Pamphlet and newsletter were issued to report on the activities under the program, its state of progress
and achievements. Copies have been distributed to OPU faculty members and graduate students withthe cooperation of the various offices under the Education Development Section, as well as to Osaka
Prefecture organizations and the Gender Equality Promotion Center.
Pamphlet publication (Jul 29, 2011; 1,500 copies)
Newsletter① Issue No. 3 (Jul 29, 2011; 4,000 copies)② Issue No. 4 (Oct 19, 2011; 5,000 copies)③ Issue No. 5 (Mar 9, 2011; 5,000 copies)（１２） Management of Support Center for Women in Research website
The website was managed to report on the activities under the program, its state of progress andachievements. In communicating activities to be conducted in the future through the website, attention
has been paid to create links to OPU portal site, outside websites, etc., as well as to distribution offliers, in order to foster greater synergy.
Support Center for Women in Research website URL: http://www.opu-genki.jp/
The Management Committee identified the poor quality of links to OPU website, etc., and problems in
improving search hits, among others, as issues that require action. Because the Public Affairs Sectionthat manages the OPU website has responded that improvements cannot be made, the Support Centermust examine into ideas to upgrade website quality.
（１３） “Questionnaire Survey on Faculty Member and Graduate Student Support”(Jan 18-31, 2012; all campuses)
The survey was conducted on faculty members and graduate students in all OPU schools in order to20measure the level of awareness toward the program, in order to build an environment that facilitates
women in their effort to deal with work/study and family/private life. Of the 3372 copies distributed,
1108 have been turned in (collection rate of 32.9%). Generally, the recognition level for the program isrising. However, OPU's Basic Policy on Promoting Recruitment of Diverse Human Resources that
supports the program and MEXT's Reform of the Female Researchers Support System program
remains low in recognition and our issues that require future action.
（１４） Plus One Program (Program to Promote Recruitment of Female Researchers)
The "Plus One Program" has been introduced in the current year as a measure to promote recruitmentof female researchers. Under the program, graduate schools (Engineering, Life and Environmental
Sciences and Sciences) who have hired female researchers (faculty members) scheduled to take office
between April 1, 2011, to April 1, 2013, will be granted one of the following incentives for each female
researcher hired.
· Recruitment of assistant professor (five-year tenure; extendable)· Subsidy for manpower cost of research assistant or administrative assistant to be recruited during
the year of recruitment of a female researcher (up to ¥1 million)
During the current year, manpower cost for two administrative assistants had been subsidized, based on
application from the Graduate School of Engineering which hired two female researchers in April
2011.
（１５）

Role Model Bank system development
The Role Model Bank has been upgraded by making use of the Role Model Bank system started up
during the previous year, in order to make use of manpower resources, such as seminar speakers,
through registration as role model candidates. During the year, persons who had been invited as
speakers at role model seminars, etc., as well as female researchers at OPU, have been asked toregister.
Furthermore, registration that had been limited to women in the previous year has been revised withchange in management regulations, allowing registration of men to make active use of the programsupporting management of work and family life to support the career of their spouses. As of March
2012, 27 (including 1 male researcher) have been registered.
As an issue to be addressed in the future, registration of a wider range of role models is being planned,
through cooperation with business enterprises and government administrators. Another problem
emerged from the exposure of certain role models who had been registered in the Role Model Bank inrole model special features. However, such persons could not be utilized effectively for role model
seminars, Science Café speakers, etc., due to their busy schedule and other reasons. Efficient use of the
Bank must be re-examined in the future.

21

（１６）

Exchange/collaboration with other organizations #Those without explicit identification of organization
are members of the Support Center for Women in Research
１） Presentation of case studies outside OPU① NWEC Workshop Preparation Group (Aug 22, 2011; Shizuoka University; participated by
Yasuko Tama & Mariko Tatsumi)② NWEC Forum: Forum promoting exchange on research and practice in gender equality(organized jointly with Yamagata University, Shizuoka University and Nagasaki University;
Oct 22, 2011, National Women's Education Center (NWEC); participated by Yasuko Tama &Mariko Tatsumi)③ Poster presentation at the Forum of Japan Inter-Society Liaison Association Committee for
Promoting Equal Participation of Men and Women in Science and Engineering; participatedby Yasuko Tama & Mariko Tatsumi)④ Poster presentation & group discussion at the Joint Open Symposium for the Support
Program for Research Activities by Female Researchers (Nov 1-2, 2011; Tsukuba University;
participated by Chikae Funeno (General Coordination, General Affairs Division), Yasuko
Tama & Mariko Tatsumi)⑤ Poster and oral presentations at Chugoku-Shikoku Gender Equality Symposium (Nov 11,
2011, Okayama Convention Center; participated by Mariko Tatsumi & Yumiko Anzai)⑥ Oral presentation at the Training Course to Promote Gender Equality among University
Personnel (Dec nine, 2011; National Women's Education Center (NWEC); participated by
Mariko Tatsumi)⑦ Poster presentation at Shikoku Women Researcher Forum (Jan 27, 2012, Ehime University;
participated by Mariko Tatsumi & Hiroe Seki)⑧ IRIS Activity Report at Science Angels Activity Report Meeting, Tohoku University (Mar 3,
2012, Tohoku University; participated by Kimiko Arikawa & Hiroe Seki)⑨ Oral presentation at Osaka University Gender Equality Seminar (Mar 6, 2012, Osaka
University; participated by Yasuko Tama)２） Exchanges with other universities & research institutes① Interview survey on mentoring at the 8th Colloquium to Promote Better Careers for Female
Graduates, Sophia University (May 19, 2011, Sophia University; participated by Mariko
Tatsumi)② Participation in Kwansei Gakuin University Women Researcher Support Forum (Jun 22, 2011,
Kwansei Gakuin University; participated by Yumiko Anzai)③ Counseling on application in the program for supporting research activities by female
researchers to Nara Medical University (Jun 2011; participated by Yasuko Tama)④ Information exchange with Shiga University of Medical Science (Aug 16, 2011, OPU;
participated by Yasuko Tama & Mariko Tatsumi)

22⑤ Information exchange with Tokyo Metropolitan University (Sep 9, 2011, OPU; participated by
Taketoshi Okuno (President), Koichi Nakano & Ikuo Sugano (general affairs & personnel,
General Affairs Division), Chikae Funeno, Masahiko Matsuda & Sayuri Katsushima (generalcoordination, General Affairs Division) & Mariko Tatsumi)⑥ Interview survey on the Organization for Diversity Management, Okayama University (Nov 11,
2011, Okayama Convention Center; participated by Mariko Tatsumi & Yumiko Anzai)⑦ Tour of exhibits on science communication at Science Agora and participation in "Fostering
Advancement for Women in Science" hosted jointly by Tohoku University and Nihon L'Oréal
K.K. (Nov 29, 2011, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology & Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial
Technology Research Institute at Odaiba, Tokyo; participated by Mariko Tatsumi)⑧ Participation in Kobe University International Symposium -- Women in Science and Education:
Sustainable Society Led by Female Researchers (Dec 19, 2011, Kobe University; participatedby Yumiko Anzai)⑨ Information exchange with Iwate University (Jan 18, 2012, OPU; participated by Yasuko Tama
& Mariko Tatsumi)⑩ Information exchange with Tokyo Science University (Jan 20, 2012, OPU; participated by Ikuo
Sugano (general affairs & personnel, General Affairs Division), Sayuri Katsushima (generalcoordination, General Affairs Division), Yasuko Tama & Mariko Tatsumi)⑪ Interview survey on female researcher support programs (childcare service, etc.) at Kagawa
University (Jan 26, 2012, Kagawa University; participated by Mariko Tatsumi)⑫ Participation in Tohoku University Symposium 2011 (Feb 18, 2012, Tohoku University;
participated by Mariko Tatsumi)⑬ Participation in Iwate University Gender Equality Promotion Symposium (Feb 20, 2012, Iwate
University; participated by Mariko Tatsumi)⑭ Interview survey on the diversity promotion office at Tokyo Metropolitan University (Feb 21,
2012, Tokyo Metropolitan University; participated by Mariko Tatsumi)⑮ Interview survey on continuing support programs after termination of the program period at
Shizuoka University (Feb 29, 2012, Shizuoka University; participated by Chikae Funeno(general coordination, General Affairs Division) & Yasuko Tama)⑯ Counseling on application in the program for supporting research activities by female
researchers to Wakayama University (Jun 2011, OPU; participated by Hiroshi Masaki(Executive Director) & Chikae Funeno (general coordination, General Affairs Division)３） Other exchanges & partnership events① Acceptance of tour group from Aichi University of Education Affiliated Okazaki Junior HighSchool (May 23, 2011, OPU; participated by Yasuko Tama & Mariko Tatsumi)② Article in Hibunkai (Osaka Women’s University alumnae association) (Jun 1, 2011, issue;

23

participated by Yasuko Tama)③ Coverage by Mother Net (Oct 2011, OPU; participated by Yasuko Tama & Mariko Tatsumi)④ Cooperation in "Date DV Lecture Meeting" organized jointly with OPU School of
Humanities and Social Sciences, Sakai City (Nov 13, 2011, OPU)
⑤ Presentation of the program at the Tondabayashi City Gender Equality Seminar (Feb 24,
2012, Tondabayashi City Chuo Civic Center; participated by Mariko Tatsumi)

24

2.

University-wide awareness reform programs（１） Open seminars & exhibitions
１）

Tsubasa Childcare Center opening ceremony and preview(Apr 3, 2011, at Nakamozu Campus; 44 participants)
The events were held as part of the university wide event Sakura Festival, to commemorate theopening of the OPU childcare facility, Tsubasa Childcare Center. Through publicity of this event,opening of the facility was promoted throughout the University organization and made possible
coordination with Sakai City, with the participation of the mayor of the city.

<Opening ceremony>· Opening speeches: Osami Takeyama (Mayor, Sakai City) & Taketoshi Okuno (OPU President)· Tape cutting ceremony
Osami Takeyama (Mayor, Sakai City)
Taketoshi Okuno (OPU President)
Yasuko Tama (Director, Support Center for Women in Research)
Tadanori Hatta (President, Cosmos, service contractor for Tsubasa Childcare Center)<Preview>
Target: OPU faculty members & students
２）Childcare center opening commemorative lecture: Work and childcare for both men and women-- tips on balancing work and private life (Apr 3, 2011, Nakamozu Campus, 30 participants)
A lecture meeting was held on the same day as in 1) on support measures necessary to achieve
work/private life balance. The events drew the participation of OPU president, directors andfaculty members and became a prime opportunity for university wide examination of the issue ofbalancing work and private life for OPU members in the future. Also, the mayor of Sakai City wasinvited as guest, enabling closer coordination with the city.
<Lectures>
Rieko Ueda, President, Mothernet K.K.
Kiichiro Nakamura, business management & manpower consultant (graduated from OPU Schoolof Engineering)<Guest>Osami Takeyama, Mayor of Sakai City
３）

Library exhibition: Jobs for Women in Science －103 books to look into my future－」(Dec 12, 2011 -- Feb 15, 2012, Nakamozu Campus)

Proposed by OPU's academic information section, books and other materials on work for womenin science and the role models, etc., were exhibited, utilizing the "package loan service" provided

25

by the Women Education Information Center of the National Women's Education Center (NWEC).
The exhibition period was set to be around the time of the role model seminar held on January 24,
as an event related to the seminar.
<Organized by>Academic Information Center Library (academic information section)<Organized jointly with>
Support Center for Women in Research（２） Campaigns inside OPU (for faculty members on all campuses)
１）Childcare (Support) Badge/Seal Campaign (August 2011)

Two types of pin badges and seals that announce the wearer is “raising children” or “supportingchildcare” were distributed to faculty members to promote greater understanding toward child careat the University and greater attention to work/life balance for faculty members.
Although the campaign is held as a occasion arises, the pin badges and seals were distributed tointerested faculty members through distribution of fliers on the campaign together with the August
newsletter, due to the fact that there had been a large number of new hirings and reassignment offaculty members during the year.
２）“Meetings to End at Five” Campaign (starting February 2012)
Organized jointly with the General affairs and personnel section, this was implemented to boost
awareness toward work/life balance among faculty members by urging improvement in hours
when meetings are held. Posters were produced and distributed to various divisions and sections
and were posted in meeting rooms, bulletin boards, etc.

（３） Program profile presentation during lectures (April 27, 2011, Nakamozu Campus)
As part of "Invitation to Gender Equality Theory" for which the Women's Studies Center is in charge, thecoordinator of the Support Center was dispatched for the lecture. "Invitation To Gender Equality Theory"is a lecture open to all OPU members and is conducted in an omnibus format. 150 attended. In the next
fiscal year, the Support Center is scheduled to take responsibility for one course.
（４） Discussions with heads of graduate schools and support office (Jun 7 & 8, 2011, participated by Yasuko
Tama & Mariko Tatsumi)
Discussion meetings were held with the three heads of graduate schools in science in order to foster
greater cooperation with the organizations. In the meetings with the schools of engineering and sciences,
the support office director in charge of administrative affairs for these schools attended as well.
In addition to promoting understanding of the program, the discussions focused on practical support
measures for each graduate school. This succeeded in fostering progress of the program at each graduate
school. At the same time, the graduate school of sciences, as well as the school of sciences, implemented

26

concrete action in cooperation with the Center, including organization jointly of the role model seminar in
December.

27

3.

Career path development and promotion of wider application(１)

Role Model Seminar① Element technologies in face recognition and application in nursing and medicine
Jun 2, 2011, at Nakamozu Campus; 33 participants
Speaker: Yuzuko Utsumi, Assistant Professor, OPU Graduate School of Engineering
Organized jointly with OPU's Research Institute for Advanced Nursing Technology, Research
Organization for the 21st Century② The working mother situation in Malaysia
Nov 16, 2011, at Nakamozu Campus; 23 participants
Speaker: Dr. Sevia Mahdaliza Idrus, Associate Professor, University Teknologi Malaysia
Organized jointly with Organization for International and Scientific Exchange; participated byProfessor Yutaka Katsuyama, Graduate School of Engineering③ Scheduling Methodology and Application on Nurse Work Schedule
Nov 17, 2011, at Nakamozu Campus; 29 participants
Speaker: Kazuko Morisawa, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Engineering
Organized jointly with OPU's Research Institute for Advanced Nursing Technology, Research
Organization for the 21st Century④ Outer Space Mineralogy: Toward Exploration of New Areas
Dec 5, 2011, at Nakamozu Campus; 58 participants
Speaker: Hiroko Nagahara, Professor, the University of Tokyo; Saruhashi Prize recipient
Organized jointly with OPU School and Graduate School of Sciences⑤ Afraid of Radiation?

Dialogue of Female Scientists Linking Physics with Living Creatures

Jan 24, 2012, at Nakamozu Campus; 95 participants
Speaker: Masako Bando, PhD science, president of Scientific Education Exchange JEIN
Kazuko Uno, PhD Science, Director of Interferon & Biological Defense Laboratory, Basic
Research Division, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research
Organized jointly with Radiation Research Center, Research Organization for
University-Community Collaborations (coordinated with "Introduction To Gender Theory," OPU
School of Humanities and Social Sciences⑥ Infinity of a Child's Curiosity: Listen to Childcare Discussions by Researchers of Mothers
Mar 10, 2012, Izumi City Gender Equality Center; 16 participants
Speaker: Keiko Nakatani, Associate Professor, Osaka Prefecture University College of28

Technology
Organized jointly with Izumi City Gender Equality Center(２)

Science Café held
① Café de Vida 3
Jun 24, 2011, at Rinku Campus; 15 participants
Speaker: Seiko Iwamoto, Director of technical guidance, Planning and Coordination Division,
National Veterinary Assay Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture, Forest Tree and Fisheries
Yasuko Hanafusa, Senior Researcher in bacteria and parasites, National Institute ofAnimal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization
Cooperation from Associate Professor Tomoko Tajima, OPU Graduate School of Life andEnvironmental Sciences② Café de Vida 4
Jun 24, 2011, at Rinku Campus; 10 participants
Speaker: Naoko Hiyama, Tertiary Livestock Clinic, Hiroshima Prefecture Agricultural
Cooperatives Federation
Ayami Koda, technical expert, Tajima Basic Livestock Clinic, Hyogo Prefecture
Agricultural Cooperatives Federation
Taeko Oya, Ishii Veterinary Hospital
Cooperation from Associate Professor Tomoko Tajima, OPU Graduate School of Life andEnvironmental Sciences③ Dec 5, 2011, at Nakamozu Campus; 5 participants
Speaker: Linda Reichl, Professor, University of Texas at Austin
Xiaoqin Elaine Li, Associate Professor, University Of Texas at Austin
Organized jointly with Professor Yuko Hosokoshi, Graduate School of Sciences(３)

Publication of role model collection
The publication featured chiefly the female researchers at OPU.
① Issue No. 1 (Jan 24, 2012)② Issue No. 2 (Mar 26, 2012)(４)

Study into career path development through coordination with local communities
１） Exchange with Sakaishinjigyo Inc. (S-CUBE)
Nov 17, 2011, at S-CUBE
Participated by Yasuko Tama & Mariko Tatsumi
Opinions were exchanged with the incubation manager of S-CUBE, a public/private joint venture

29

supporting business startups and with officers of Sakai City government.
２） Exchange with Osaka Doyukai (friendship association of small businesses in Osaka Prefecture)
Nov 21, 2011, Office Yasuyo Hase
Participated by Yasuko Tama & Mariko Tatsumi
Exchange was conducted with female business entrepreneurs belonging to the Women's Chapterof Osaka Doyukai.

(５)

Plan for expanding the base for women in science
１） Recruitment of members of female science graduate student teamMembers were solicited for the female science graduate school team, in order to encourage
voluntary participation of female graduate students in the program, as well as to build a
network among such students.
① 1st invitation for participation
Solicitation of membership from the graduate schools of engineering, life andenvironmental sciences and sciences garnered application from 17 persons, all of whom
had been assigned to the team after a round of screening. At the assignment ceremony, theassignment certificate was handed to the new members from President Okuno.
Also, the team members decided to name the team IRIS, after some discussion. The
members also proposed and decided on the team logo.
Recruitment period : May 11-31, 2011
<Orientation meeting> May 17, Rinku Campus
May 18 & 24, Nakamozu Campus
Screening: June 9, 2011
Term of assignment: Jul 1, 2011 - Mar 31, 2012
Assignment ceremony: July 16, 2011, Nakamozu Campus② 2nd invitation for participation
Recruitment period : March 22-April 25, 2012
Screening: Early May 2012
Assignment ceremony: Early/late May 2012
Term of assignment: Jun 1, 2012 - Mar 31, 2013

２） Children's Science Campus① "Fun Science Experiments"
Apr 3, 2011, Nakamozu Campus (Sakura Festival); 69 participants

30

<Description>
Fun with the mysteries of vibration
Fun with mysterious powders
Fun with parabola antennae
Fun with yo-yo<Graduate student staff>
Kana Kuroda & Asuka Takai (Graduate School of Engineering), Sachika Nishimura&
Haruka Ikeda (Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences) & Manayo Kurata(Graduate School of Sciences)② Children's Science Campus (Osaka City Gender Equality Center East Building (CreoOsaka East)
Aug 6, 2011,Creo Osaka East Summer Festival at Osaka City Gender Equality Center East
Building; 32 (16 pairs) participated<Description>
Let's make candles
Cartesian diver, easy to make with PET bottles<Student staff>
IRIS: Yuka Higashigaki (Graduate School of Sciences)
Assistants: Yuki Oka (Graduate School of Engineering) & Takashi Araki (School ofEngineering)③ Children's Science Campus (Nakamozu Children's Group)
Aug 17, 2011, at Nakamozu Campus; 52 participants<Description>
Let's look into things with handmade microscopes<IRIS staff>
Yuki Komori & Yui Matsumoto (Graduate School of Engineering), Haruka Ikeda & Tomo
Nakamura ( Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences) & Yuki Ozaki & Ayaka
Take (Graduate School of Sciences)④ Children's Science Campus (Takaishi City Takaishi Elementary School)
Oct 29, 2011, Takaishi Elementary School; 30 participants<Description>
Make PET bottle rockets fly<Student staff>
IRIS: Yuki Komori & Yui Matsumoto (Graduate School of Engineering) & Norimi Iwata& Mami Matano (Graduate School of Sciences)31

Assistants: Tomohiro Nakahama(Graduate School of Engineering) & Takashi Araki(School of Engineering)⑤ Children's Science Campus (Saka-ience, Sakai City Board Of Education)
Feb 5, 2012, Sakai City Center of Education and Culture (Sophia Sakai); 689 participants<Description>
Talk to a computer! ～Pictgent～<Student staff>
IRIS: Miki Ueno (Graduate School of Engineering)
Assistants: Yuki Komori, Yui Matsumoto, Kiyoto Fukuda, Taketoshi Hirota (Graduate
School of Engineering)⑥ Children's Science Campus (Izumi City Gender Equality Center)Mar 17, 2012, Izumi City Gender Equality Center; 38 participants (18 groups)<Description>
Fun with experiments: Extracting DNA <Student staff>
IRIS: Kana Kuroda (Graduate School of Engineering), Haruka Ikeda (Graduate School ofLife and Environmental Sciences) & Ayaka Take (Graduate School of
Sciences)
Assistant: Miho Nishimura (Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences)⑦ Spring Vacation Science Workshop Fun for Parents and Kids (Neyagawa City Gender
Equality Center (Furatto Neyagawa))
Mar 27, 2012, Neyagawa City Gender Equality Center; 41 participants<Description>
Let's make a fog chamber and examine radiation<IRIS staff>
Ayumi Iwasa (Graduate School of Engineering) & Ayaka Tani (Graduate School of Lifeand Environmental Sciences)
３） Open Campus: Women in Science BoothAug 6-7, 2011, OPU; 153 participants
Organized as a small discussion group for female high school students and prospective
university students interested in sciences, female graduate and undergraduate students at OPU
spoke on their research projects and life at the University and also responded to questions fromthe younger students.
As a new addition for the current year, a program for the guardians of such students was held32

simultaneously. In this part, women researchers who are members of the program management
committee communicated on the state of female students in the sciences at the University,
providing encouragement and feeling of security to guardians who are concerned of sending
their daughters to study in science departments where most students are men.
Also, advance publicity of the event was organized in cooperation with OPU Admission Office.
<Student staff>
IRIS: Ayumi Iwasa, Norimi Iwata, Kana Kuroda, Yuki Komori, Asuka Takai & Yui Matsumoto(Graduate School of Engineering), Haruka Ikeda, Miyu Tanaka, Tomo Nakamura& Sachika Nishimura (Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences) andSaori Kamaike, Yuki Ozaki & Mami Matano (Graduate School of Sciences)
Discussion group staff: Shoko Doi (Graduate School of Sciences) & Shiori Toga (School of
Sciences)
Assistants: Tomohiro Nakahama(Graduate School of Engineering), Tsukasa Sato, Keita
Okamura, Tomohiro Yamanaka & Hana Yamada (School of Engineering), Ayako
Oono (School of Life and Environmental Sciences), Daisuke Ohta (School of
Economics) & Kentaro Nakatani (School of Humanities and Social Sciences)
４） Research presentations & exchanges① Exchange with Notre Dame Seishin Gakuen Seishin High School (hereinafter called
Seishin High School)
Exchanges have been conducted in various ways with the private girls' school in Okayama
Prefecture known to be a super science high school.
① Management & Guidance Committee
Associate Professor Tomoko Tajima (Graduate School of Life and Environmental
Sciences), Assistant Professor Chihiro Nakagawa (Graduate School of Engineering)and Yasuko Tama (Director, Support Center for Women in Research, & Professor of
School of Humanities and Social Sciences) of OPU have become members of theManagement and Guidance Committee to offer advice in committee activities and toengage in research in areas such as English-language debates.
② Exchange meeting: Aug 10, 2011, Nakamozu Campus; 40 participants
Seishin High School students in the first and second years of Life Science Course 1
visited OPU for exchanges with female researchers, management committee
members and IRIS members, in cooperation with OPU's admission office, Research
Organization for the 21st Century (Plant Factory Research Center) & the Graduate
School of Life and Environmental Sciences.
<Program>
12:00 - 12:40 Lunch meeting
12:40 - 13:10 Presentation on admission to OPU33

13:30 - 14:10 Tour of Plant Factory Research Center
14:30 - 16:30 Exchange with IRIS
· Observation & experiment (for second-year students): Animal infections andplant viruses
Observation of animal infection samples & cultivation of asparagus shootaspices· Workshop (for first-year students): Become a reporter for a future newspaper
After hearing the research presentations by IRIS, the students are to publish abulletin board newspaper, based on what they imagine how such a research
project will develop 20 years later.

<Moderators>
Faculty members: Yuko Higashi (Professor, School of Humanities and Social
Sciences), Michihiko Kataoka (committee member & Professor, Graduate
School of Life and Environmental Sciences), Tomoko Tajima (Associate
Professor, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences), Chihiro
Nakagawa (Associate Professor, Graduate School of Engineering) & Yasuko
Tama (Director, Support Center for Women in the Research; Professor, Schoolof Humanities and Social Sciences)
IRIS: Kana Kuroda & Miki Ueno (Graduate School of Engineering) & Miyu Tanaka& Sachika Takayoshi Nishimura (Graduate School of Life and Environmental
Sciences)
Support Center for Women in Research③ Research exchanges (August 2011)
In response to a request for expert advice on plant experiments conducted bysecond-year students in life science course at Seishin High School, OPU researchers
provided counseling to students through the Management Committee.
<Participants>
Masayuki Oda (Professor, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences),
Michihiko Kataoka (committee member & Professor, Graduate School of Life andEnvironmental Sciences) & Support Center for Women in Research④ Participation in scientific research presentation and exchange of "Get Together,
Women in Science"Oct 29, 2011, Fukuyama University Social Coordination & Research Promotion
Center
2 IRIS members participated in the Seishin High School's research presentation andexchange meeting34

as role models and gave research presentations.
<Participants>
Miyu Tanaka (IRIS; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences)
Oral presentation: Analysis of Pathological Development in myelin-abnormal
mutant VF rats
Ayaka Tani (IRIS; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences)
Oral presentation: Restoration of Kyoto's autumn climate based on description offall foliage in historical documents② Research poster presentation (Jan 24, 2012, Nakamozu Campus)
IRIS research poster presentation was held simultaneously with the role model seminar for
exchange with seminar speakers and participants (OPU faculty members, general public,etc.)<Speakers (IRIS)>
Kana Kuroda & Miki Ueno (Graduate School of Engineering), Ayaka Tani (Graduate
School of Life and Environmental Sciences) and Yuka Togaki (Graduate School of
Sciences)③ "Women Pioneers" DVD viewing & reading: Guest speaker
March 2, 2012, Osaka Prefecture Gender Equality & Civic Collaboration
In the viewing of a DVD production of "Women in Research -- Past and Present" hosted
by Osaka Prefectural Government, featuring interviews with women pioneers born in the
Meiji and Taisho periods, including female science researcher Kimiko Atake, IRIS was
invited to represent women in science today to report on their activities and their own
personal lives in research and as university students.
<Speakers (IRIS)>
Kana Kuroda (Graduate School of Engineering)５） IRIS workshop
A workshop was held for exchange among members and improvement of their skills.
① Sep 15 & 22, 2011 -- Planning & action workshop
Nakamozu Campus; 14 participants② Dec 12, 2011 -- workshop & exchange meeting
Nakamozu Campus; 9 participants③ Jan 26, 2012 -- Introduction to assertion training
Held as part of "Sakai Gender Equality Week" supported by Sakai CitySun Square Sakai; 19 participants (including participants from the general public)６） IRIS Café (from December 2011, Nakamozu Campus)

35

Exchange meetings have been organized regularly, roughly twice a month, based on a proposal
from team members. Members are to take turns in playing host and are expected to takevoluntary action. Because the members are split between Nakamozu Campus and Rinku
Campus, PC with a web camera has been used for exchange between the two campus sites.
On January 21, 2012, members at Nakamozu Campus visited the Rinku Campus in a "Rinku
Tour," for visits to laboratories, research presentations, lunch meetings, etc., to foster ties.
７） IRIS Activity Report(Mar 5, 2012, Nakamozu Campus; 15 participants)
Activities for the current year
<Program>
16:00 - 16:50 -- IRIS activity report
16:50 - 17:10 -- Free discussion
17:10 - 17:25 -- Overview
Michihiko Kataoka (committee member, Professor, Graduate
School of Life in Environmental Sciences)
Yuko Hosokoshi (committee member, Professor, Graduate
School of Sciences; Kansai Science School for
Female Junior High and High School Students
committee member)
Maki Onda (Associate Professor, Graduate School of Sciences;
Kansai Science School for Female Junior Highand High School Students committee member)
Hideo Ezoe (committee member, lecturer, Graduate School of
Sciences)
17:25 - 17:30 -- Greetings By Support Center Director(６)

Skill Improvement Seminar for Young Researchers(Mar 13, 2012, Nakamozu Campus; 30 participants)
Seminar on writing English-language papers was held as a measure to support young female
researchers. Due to the shortfall in seminar capacity caused by publicity at IRIS and Female
Researcher Discussion Group, focused on female researchers and graduate students in order toencourage participation, participation was called on the universitywide basis, including men.

36

4.

Development of support framework
Action has been implemented as planned, with the loan of PCs equipped with Web cameras as IT
equipment for work-at-home support, development of human connection network with female researcher
discussion group, IRIS, social networking, etc., and information service via the Support Center for
Women in Research website (see 1 - 3 above).

37

5.

Regional cooperation & coordination(１) Coordination with Osaka Prefecture① July 14, 2011: Participation in Osaka Prefecture platform
Contact: Gender equality & civic collaboration section② November 21, 2011: Exchange with Osaka Doyukai (prefectural small business friendshipassociation)
Contact: Gender equality & civic collaboration section③ March 2, 2012: Women Pioneers DVD viewing & reading -- guest speakerContact:

Gender Equality & Civic Collaboration Section; Osaka

Gender Equality Foundation.

(２) Coordination with Sakai City
① June 16, 2011: Visit to Sakai City gender equality promotion section② November 13, 2011: Cooperation in dating DV lecture meeting
Contact: Gender equality promotion section③ November 17, 2011: Exchange with Sakaishinjigyo Inc. (S-CUBE)
Contact: Gender equality promotion section; Manufacturing
support section, Commercial & Industrial Labor
Department④ January 26, 2012: "Introduction to assertion training" held during Sakai Gender Equality Week
Contact: Gender equality promotion section⑤ February 5, 2012: Children's Science Campus held at Sakai-enceContact: Board of Education(３) Community collaboration by IRISChildren's Science Campus was held in collaboration with local communities.
① August 6, 2011, Osaka City Gender Equality Center East Building (Creo Osaka East)② August 17, 2011, Nakamozu children's group③ October 29, 2011, Takaishi City Takaishi Elementary School④ Mar 17, 2012, Izumi City Gender Equality Center⑤ Mar 27, 2012, Neyagawa City Gender Equality Center

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6.

Childcare facility opening & management (program exempted from subsidy coverage)
Tsubasa Childcare Center, a childcare facility inside OPU, was opened on April 1, 2011. With the opening of
this facility, administration of the childcare center moved from General Coordination, General Affairs Division
to General Affairs & Personnel. Also, facility operation was contracted to Cosmos. The facility capacity isfor 10 children. The number of users as of March 1, 2012 is 5 for regular childcare service and 11 registered
for temporary childcare service.
（１）

Management Committee established and convened
With the opening of the on-premise childcare facility, the Preparations Committee for Childcare
Facility Opening Inside Osaka Prefecture University was dismissed and replaced by the Childcare
Facility Management Committee. The new committee is responsible for review into issues inmanagement of the childcare facility, screening and selection of prospective users, etc.
<Management Committee meetings>
First meeting : June 13, 2011
Second meeting : September 28, 2011
Third meeting : February 8, 2012（２）

Tsubasa Childcare Center opening ceremony and preview
Apr 3, 2011, Nakamozu Campus (Sakura Festival); 44 participants<Opening ceremony>· Greetings: President Okuno, OPU; Mayor Takeyama, Sakai City
· Tape cutting ceremony
President Okuno, OPU
Yasuko Tama Director, Support Center for Women in Research
Mayor Takeyama, Sakai City
Tadanori Hatta (President, Cosmos, service contractor for Tsubasa Childcare Center)<Preview>
The preview tour was held for OPU faculty members and students.
*Organized with the cooperation of Cosmos, service contractor for Tsubasa Childcare Center

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7.

Incentive program (program exempted from subsidy coverage)(１) Female Graduate Students in Science Awards ceremony
The objective of the awards is development of young female researchers able to work on the international
level, by encouraging participation in international academic conferences, etc. Screening was conductedby a screening committee consisting of the university president, directors in charge of education researchand committee members. The final screening round was made open to the public. On the same day,
OPU's young female researchers serving as role models gave presentations and advice on presentations
by applicants, as well as their personal experiences at international conferences.

<Applicants>
Students in the fifth or sixth year of study in Graduate School of Engineering, Graduate School of Lifeand Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Sciences or Veterinary Medicine Course of theschool of life and environmental sciences during the designated period of support.
<Screening>First-round document screening: By screening committee members and readers (requested to faculty members in research areas close
to the applicant in question)
Final screening: Presentation in English in an open screening session -- screening committee members<Awards>
The winner will be presented with an award certificate, along with subsidy of expenses as additional
prize.
Top prize
Subsidy of ¥150,000 to be used for travel and participation in an international conference(If the total sum required for travel and participation is less than ¥150,000, subsidy will be theactual amount.)
Outstanding recognition prize
Subsidy of ¥50,000 to be used for travel and participation in an international conference(If the total sum required for travel and participation is less than ¥50,000, subsidy will be theactual amount.)① Second Award
Term of subsidy: September 1, 2011 - Mar 31, 2012
Participation period: May 11 - June 7, 2011
Awardees: 1 top prize winner & 3 outstanding recognition winners
Applicants: 9 (6 from Graduate School of Engineering; 3 from Graduate School of Life &Environmental Sciences)40

Screening period: First round: June 7 - July 4, 2011 (narrowed down to four persons)Final screening: July 16, 2011
Screening results: Top prize winnerRaja Zahirah binti Raja Mohd. Radzi(3rd year in doctorate course in engineering)
Outstanding recognition
Miki Ueno (2nd year in master’s course in engineering)

Hazuki Otsuka (2nd year in master’s course in engineering)
Yuki Shiramaru (4th year in doctorate course in life and environmental
sciences)
Reviewer: Chihiro Nakagawa, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Engineering② Third Award
Term of subsidy: April 1, 2012 - Mar 31, 2013
Recruitment period: October 12 - November 11, 2011
Awardees: 1 top prize winner & 5 outstanding recognition winners
Applicants: 5 (3 from Graduate School of Engineering; 2 from Graduate School of Life andEnvironmental Sciences)
Recruitment period: First round -- November 14 - December 2, 2011
Final screening: January 18, 2012
Screening results: Top prize winner
Keiko Sakamoto(2nd year, doctorate course in life and environmental sciences)
Outstanding recognition
Yuki Komori (1st year in master's course in engineering)
Rina Kume (1st year in master’s course in engineering)
Tomoe Yamamoto (1st year in master’s course in engineering)
Kaorri Itagaki (1st year in master's course in life and environmental sciences)
Reviewer: Etsuko Kusukawa (Associate Professor, Graduate School of Engineering)
Shizue Yoshihara (Associate Professor, Graduate School of Sciences)41