The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) decided the winners of the 2nd Brilliant Female Researchers Award (The Jun Ashida Award). The awards ceremony was held at Miraikan on November 15 (Sun), 2020.
At the awards ceremony, JST presented a trophy and certificate to each winner, and the Ashida Fund* offered one million yen as a supplementary prize to the winner of the Brilliant Female Researcher Award (The Jun Ashida Award).
*The Ashida Fund was established in 1994 by the late fashion designer Jun Ashida for the purpose of nurturing the younger generation. The Japan International Science and Technology Exchange Center (JISTEC) operates and manages the Ashida Fund by keeping the funds from Jun Ashida Co. Ltd.
Chief Scientist, Star and Planet Formation Laboratory, RIKEN
Astronomy
Dr. Sakai explores and expands an interdisciplinary field that involves chemistry and astronomy by introducing chemical methods such as capturing changes in molecular composition by spectroscopic observation in astronomy wherein physical approaches were mainstreamed to achieve innovative results in elucidating the formation of planetary systems.
Although she is stationed in Japan, she has sufficient international exposure, such as launching a large-scale project using the ALMA telescope and coordinating projects wherein the majority of members are foreign researchers.
She also engages in social contribution activities such as promoting women’s social activities and fostering younger generations through outreach activities, including lectures.
From a medium- to long-term perspective named “10-year plan of MAYUDAMA (silk cocoon),” Gunma University has constantly supported the activities of female researchers as well as members of the university. Under this policy, the ratio of female researchers of doctoral courses and female faculty members has been increasing due to seamless support such as the female-only recruitment system of the Faculty of Science and Technology and the system of encouraging female medical researchers in senior positions.
Gunma University made a comparison with male researchers and an analysis of the acceptance rate for the following year regarding the Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research fund per female researcher who received support from the university research fund. Judges of the award highly evaluated these activities that correct the unconscious bias toward the research ability of female researchers. Collaboration with other organizations in Gunma Prefecture is also creating ripple effects, inspiring others to conduct community inclusion activities.
Associate Professor, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Molecular Biology
Dr. Hoshino revealed that exosomes (extracellular vesicles) released by cancer cells are involved in the mechanism by which cancer prepares the environment at the future site of metastasis in a tissue-specific manner.
Having an international perspective based on eight and a half years of overseas research experience, she is engaged in social contribution activities such as accepting overseas students to cultivate top-level global researchers.
