Approach 2 Capacity Development in Women Researchers’ Research Activities
1. 12th Hiroshima University Women Researcher Encouragement Award
With the aim to increase the research motivation of the entire group of women researchers, a “womenresearcher” encouragement award has been established at Hiroshima University since 2007 to grant researchfunding to young and distinguished researchers who currently lack funding. Following a strict evaluation process,three grant awards were awarded for a total of 2,770,000 JPY of research funding.
■2019 12th Hiroshima University Women Researcher Encouragement Award Recipients
Name

Associated Department

Rie UsuiGraduate School ofLettersNonoka Higa
Kazue
Nakashima

Graduate School of
Advanced Sciences ofMatter
Graduate School of
Biomedical and Health
SciencesTitle

Research Title

Assistant Towards a New Wildlife Tourism beyond Conservation: An InsightProfessor from Tourist Experience Analysis
Assistant Study of Magnetism and Its Pressure Dependence on the Existence
Professor of Inversion Symmetry
Assistant Microglial Mechanism for Neuropathic Pain in the Anterior
Professor Cingulate Cortex.

2. 3rd Hiroshima University Women Researcher Joint Research Funding System
With the aim of cultivating the leadership skills of women researchers, we called for joint research studies withthe Mazda Motor Corporation, Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd., and the International Development Center. Following a strict
evaluation process, we selected seven research projects and awarded a total of 7,000,000 JPY of research funding.
Furthermore, special joint research mentors from Hiroshima University were deployed for three researchers who
wished to have a mentor.
■2019 3rd Hiroshima University Women Researcher Joint Research Funding System List of Selectees
Name

Associated Department

Title

Research Title

Center for the Study ofThe Impact of the Formal TVET Education Path on Labor MarketSeonkyung
International Cooperation Researcher
Outcomes in Viet Nam: Focusing on Gender Differences
Choiin Education
Hitomi
Ogata

Graduate School ofIntegrated Arts andSciences

Associate
Effects of Sleep Environment on Physiological Indicators
ProfessorMegumi
Watanabe

Office of University
StrategyLecturer

Toward Gender-Equal Participation in International Research: A
Comparative Analysis of Gender Equity Policies and Programs at
Japanese and Foreign Universities

Tomomi
YamaneGraduate School forInternational
Development andCooperation

Researcher

Stakeholders Preferences on Companies Contributing to the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Akiko
Nakayama

Graduate School ofEducation

How to Improve Communication with Deaf or Hard of Hearings
AssociateWorkers in Their Work Environment: an Attempt to Make a
ProfessorModel.

TomokoKawai

Graduate School ofIntegrated Sciences forLifeAssistant Analysis of the Effects and Molecular Mechanism of Emotions on
Professor Social Systems and Cell Function in Mouse.

MayumiKako

Graduate School of
Biomedical and Health
Sciences

Associate Action Research to Empower Activities of Women in Disaster Risk
Professor Reduction: a Pilot Program and Evaluation in Hiroshima12

3. 2nd Hiroshima University Women Researcher Overseas Joint Research Funding System
This system for women called for applications with the objective of accelerating international collaborative
research projects undertaken by young women researchers using funds donated by the Micron organization.

4. English Presentation Seminar■Date/Time: February 14-15, 2020 (Fri.-Sat.); 9:00–16:00■Location: (Higashi-Hiroshima campus) No.1 Seminar room, Information Media Center(Kasumi campus) No. 1 Conference room, 2F Clinical Building■Instructor: Yusuke Yano
■Participants: 20 people (14 from HU, 3 from Mazda, 2 from Delta, 1 from member organization)■Details: A practical seminar on the knowledge and skills required for presenting in English at a conference ornegotiation table was held with the lecturer who had been employed overseas in a private organization.
During the seminar, participants communicated with each other by giving presentations on their field ofspecialization. Furthermore, a cross field/industry research exchange lunch was organized for women
researchers with various backgrounds on the 14th.
＜Voices of the Participants (excerpts)＞● It was good that there were both lectures and practical exercises.
● Although it was tough to make a presentation within the short time-frame of the workshop, it was well worthdoing.
● It was fun to mingle with other departments.

<Seminar in Higashi-Hiroshima campus><Seminar in Kasumi campus><Cross field/industry research exchange lunch >5. English Essay-Writing Seminar (Nature Academies)■Date/Time: February 27-29, 2020 (Thurs.-Sat.); 9:00–17:00■Location: (Higashi-Hiroshima campus) E104, School of Science Building(Kasumi Campus), No. 1 Conference room, 2F Clinical Building■Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Robens■Participants: 19 people (18 from HU, 1 from member organization)■Details: Across the three fields of natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities and medicine, an interactive essaywriting workshop was held by experienced editors from Nature magazine.
＜Voices of the Participants (excerpts)＞● The seminar covered not only academic writing,but also focused on logical writing. It was really
informative.
● The workshop clearly explained the different
helpful strategies for a successful article
submission. Furthermore, it provided a platform
for improving research techniques.
● Very comprehensive in term of what editors’
expectations are and how to meet them in orderto have a manuscript published.
<Seminar in Higashi-Hiroshima campus >13

6. 6th Hiroshima University Women’s Exceptional Achievement Promotion Award “Metasequoia Award”
This award was established in 2013 in order to celebrate individuals and groups who have positively contributed
to society and to help expand the opportunity for women to demonstrate their ability. Metasequoia is a type of flora
whose features are its overall vitality no matter where they strive and its quick growth-rate. These features gave thetree the nickname, “living fossils”. The award was named after this tree with the hope that women demonstrate
their personality and ability to the fullest, to strive in the world.
■Date/Time: November 13, 2019 (Wed.); 13:50–15:00■Location: Satake Memorial Hall, Higashi-Hiroshima Campus, Hiroshima University■Awardee: Itsuki Natsui (Haiku poet, Essayist)■Participants: 809 people, specifically collaborating and member organizations of the Initiative for the Implementation ofthe Diversity Research Environment (Collaboration Type), nationwide organizations that are involved inpromoting diversity, faculty members and students of this university, members of the public■Details: After teaching Japanese at junior high school level for 8 years, she changed her career to become a Haiku poet,
where her work received many awards and many of her books were published, all of which was highly praised.
She has contributed to the overall popularity growth of Haiku through teaching classes on Haiku at elementaryand junior high school levels as the head of the Haiku group, “Itsuki-gumi”. Also, she has taught at Tezukayama
Gakuin University as a guest professor, and currently, she often has appearances on various TV and radio
programs. By being the leading person for Haiku, she is a trailblazer for women’s self-development, hence why
she was given this prestigious award.

(Ms. Natsui receiving the award fromHiroshima University President Ochi)(Ms. Natsui receiving a bouquet of flowers from Prof. Nishina,
Chairperson of Women’s Research Activities Committee)(Address from Ms. Natsui) (The award ceremony)(Address from Ms. Natsui)

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