The Mission

In FY 2009, Sophia University was chosen to participate in the Program to Support Women Researchers

In May 2009, The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) announced the list of universities and institutes designated to receive funding by the government for the implementation of the program, including Sophia’s proposal,“Project to Support Women Researchers in a Global Society” (submitted by Linda Grove, Vice-president for Academic Exchange).

The objective of the Project to Support Women Researchers in a Global Society

The objective is to maximize the capability of women researchers. This means not only improving the research environment and work facilities but also changing overall attitudes towards women researchers. The goal is to create a support program for women that will allow them to continue their careers and ensure smooth return to work after maternity or childcare leave.

Sophia’s Proposal

The Outline of the plan

The goal of this plan is to nurture capable women researchers with global competency, as well as to promote gender equality. Taking this into account, the Science and Technology Faculty of Sophia University will strive to improve it’s research environment, and aim to contact and establish a good relationship with a broad range of women researchers. We will strive to increase the ratio of women in the Science and Technology Faculty as well as the university as a whole.

As part of implementation of the program, the entire university will strive towards greater gender equality. Our program includes the following elements:

Global mentoring program for women researchers.

  1. A program to support professionals aiming for worldwide recognition : support for writing academic papers in English
  2. Promotion of in-house international exchange among researchers by inviting women researchers from various countries
  3. Organizing a colloquium for young women to make them aware of opportunities for enhancing their careers ? organization of international symposium inviting women researchers who may serve as role models
  4. Hiring of PD and RA to support the research activities of women researchers who have small children. Further support will be provided including support for use of our university day-care center
  5. Building a mutual network for women researchers and creating an open space for gatherings to exchange information