The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has decided the winners of the 6th Brilliant Female Researchers Award (The Jun Ashida Award). The awards ceremony was held at at Miraikan on October 27 (Sun), 2024.
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 main winner.
*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 on behalf of Jun Ashida Co. Ltd.
Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
Physiology, Neuroscience – general
Dr. Hasegawa has made remarkable achievements in research on neurons and neural circuits that regulate sleep and wakefulness. In particular, the originality and worldwide attention of her research on the mechanisms of REM sleep is extremely high, and she has contributed greatly to the understanding of the pathogenesis of sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy). She actively participates in international joint research projects and international conferences and embodies the significance of collaborating with researchers from different cultures and academic backgrounds through a wide range of exchanges. Her leadership in global research on sleep disorders, a common problem for all humankind, is expected as well.
In addition to her research, she also conducts outreach activities on sleep research, aiming at expanding the base of science professionals and science career education for the general public and university students. She also contributes to the promotion of women's empowerment in science at the university.
Jean-Pierre Charriton, President and Representative Director
Based on the L'Oreal Foundation's belief that "The world needs science, and science needs women," Nihon L'Oreal K.K. has been supporting the empowerment of female researchers through running the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award for nearly 20 years. In recent years, efforts have been made to expand and strengthen activities to support the active participation of women, such as industry-academia-government collaboration projects and the development of next-generation human resources.
With diversity as part of its corporate culture and by supporting the career development of female researchers and diverse work styles, the company has achieved 59% of female researchers and 47% of female managers in its research institute. The company also provides opportunities for non-researchers to raise awareness and learn about gender issues in the scientific community. One of the most ideal forms of diversity promotion is the idea that efforts to improve the company's core business will lead to the promotion of women and the diversification of careers and work styles as a result, and it will serve as a model for other organizations.
Researcher, Marine Ecosystem Research Group, Earth Surface System Research Center (ESS), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)
Earth Science, Glaciology
Dr. Nagatsuka has focused on the dynamics of micro-impurities such as minerals and microorganisms as factors that cause the melting of glaciers and ice sheets in polar and alpine regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic. In recent years, she has been boldly challenging to elucidate climate and environmental changes on a global scale. She has a unique field of view of the entire earth at various scales. In international joint research, she leads challenging research based on advanced analytical techniques such as isotope ratio analysis of metal elements and plays an active role as a leading researcher in this field.
In addition to her unique research activities, she shares knowledge and outreach activities related to snow and ice and earth science research as well as focuses on training young researchers with advanced analytical techniques.
