On February 12, Okayama University hosted an online research result presentation session for the “Young Female Scientist Programme in Japan: Joint Research and Training Course for Young Female Researchers from Developing Countries,” jointly implemented by Okayama University and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

During the event, five young female researchers who participated in the programme this academic year as members of the fifth cohort presented the outcomes of their research activities conducted at Okayama University. The researchers, from the Philippines, Tanzania, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Peru, were nominated by their respective government missions.

On January 9, 2020, Okayama University and UNCTAD signed a comprehensive partnership agreement—the first of its kind between UNCTAD and a university—to promote human resource development in Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI for SDGs). Under this agreement, the programme invites young female researchers recommended by the government missions of member states of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD)* in Africa, the ASEAN region, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Following a rigorous selection process, participants conduct research at Okayama University under the supervision of host faculty members for periods ranging from two weeks to one month. To date, 27 female researchers have participated in and completed the programme, with this year marking the fifth cohort.

The presentation session was attended by representatives from UNCTAD, including Mr. Angel Gonzalez Sanz, Officer in Charge of the Innovation and Knowledge Development Section of the Technology and Logistics Division. From Okayama University, President Yasuto Nasu, Executive Director Yukari Mimura (Planning, Evaluation and General Affairs), Vice Executive Director Norito Sato (Research and Industry–Academia Co-Creation), and Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi (Global Engagement) were present and offered words of encouragement to the participating researchers. The session provided a warm and friendly opportunity for exchange among the researchers and their host faculty members, with many participants sharing fond memories of their research experiences during their stay at Okayama University.

In addition, a past participant from the fourth cohort and her host faculty member gave a presentation describing how participation in the programme led them to plan a joint application for research funding as co–principal investigators, highlighting the programme’s role in fostering collaborative research among scholars.

Okayama University will continue to strengthen its collaboration with UNCTAD—the United Nations’ focal institution for implementing STI for SDGs—and promote initiatives to cultivate human resources in Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs from Okayama to the world.
*CSTD (Commission on Science and Technology for Development)

About UNCTAD
Established in 1964 and headquartered in Geneva, UNCTAD is a key United Nations body addressing issues related to trade and development, finance, investment, technology, and sustainable development. It works to maximize trade, investment, and development opportunities for developing countries, supporting them in addressing challenges arising from globalization and integrating into the global economy on an equitable footing.