On January 19, Okayama University held a research result presentation session for the “Young Female Scientist Programme in Japan,” a joint research and training course conducted by Okayama University and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Three participants from South Africa (2) and the Philippines (1) who attended this year presented online and shared their research accomplishments conducted at Okayama University.

Okayama University and UNCTAD entered into a comprehensive collaboration agreement on January 9, 2020, for human resource development in science, technology, and innovation to achieve sustainable development goals (STI for SDGs). Based on the agreement, this joint course accepts young female scientists nominated by the CSTD (Commission on Science and Technology for Development) member states, mainly in Africa and ASEAN regions. Young female scientists who have passed a rigorous screening process will engage in hands-on research activities under the guidance of Okayama University faculty for a period ranging from a minimum of 14 days to 30 days. The program has welcomed 20 participants in the first and second terms, and this year marks the third term.

At this third research results presentation session, Shamika Sirimanne, Director of the Technology and Logistics Division, and Angel Gonzalez-Sanz, Chief of the Innovation and Capacity-Building Branch from UNCTAD, attended online. From Okayama University, President NASU Yasutomo, Senior Vice President SUGA Seiji (Executive Director for Academic Affairs), Vice President for Global Engagement YOKOI Atsufumi, and Vice President for International Affairs and Alumni SUZUKI Takayoshi were present to encourage the young female scientists during their presentations.

Past program participants also joined the session to share their research journey and success stories after joining this program, including the co-publication with Okayama University professor, making their career changes to United Nations agencies, demonstrating the program’s positive impact on research collaboration and career development for young female scientists. Toward the end of the session, three students currently enrolled in Okayama University’s doctoral program under the UNCTAD long-term program shared their research progress.

Okayama University aims to strengthen collaboration with UNCTAD in implementing STI for SDGs, promote initiatives for human resource development globally from Okayama, and disseminate these efforts nationally and internationally.

◯United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UNCTAD is the United Nations’ central forum for the integrated handling of interrelated issues in development and trade, finance, technology, investment, and sustainable development. It aims to maximize the trade, investment, and development opportunities for developing countries, assist them in facing challenges arising from globalization, and integrate them into the world economy on an equal footing.

［Related Articles］
First Term:
Okayama University and UNCTAD Hold Online Presentation Session for Research Results of “Young Female Scientist Programme in Japan”
Second Term:
Director of the Technology and Logistics at United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) visited Okayama University