On November 21, Dr. Loraine Kay D. Cabral, a young researcher from the Philippines participating in the 2025 “Young Female Scientist Programme in Japan: Joint Research and Training Course for Young Female Researchers from Developing Countries,” paid a courtesy visit to President Yasuto Nasu. The programme is jointly organized by Okayama University and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Dr. Cabral serves as Science and Technology Fellow II at the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippines.

Professor Mizuki Morita of the Health System Integration Science Area, Institute of Academic and Research, who serves as her host supervisor, attended the courtesy visit. Following an introduction of Dr. Cabral’s academic background and research activities, an active exchange of views took place regarding her research theme, biobanking.

Dr. Cabral expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply thankful for this valuable opportunity to conduct research at Okayama University. The Philippines faces frequent typhoons and differs geographically from Japan. Moreover, medical records are still largely paper-based rather than electronic, which presents challenges in directly adopting Japan’s systems. Nevertheless, I hope to contribute to the development of biobanking in the Philippines upon my return.” President Nasu conveyed his encouragement and expressed expectations for her continued success.

On the same day, Dr. Cabral joined President Nasu and Professor Morita for a luncheon meeting, further deepening mutual exchange and dialogue. She also visited Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle, where she experienced Japanese culture, including wearing a kimono and enjoying traditional matcha tea.

Okayama University and UNCTAD concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement in January 2020 to promote human resource development in Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI for SDGs), marking the first such agreement between UNCTAD and a university worldwide. Based on this agreement, the “Young Female Scientist Programme in Japan” provides short-term joint research and training opportunities (approximately two weeks to one month) for young female researchers from developing countries in Africa and ASEAN member states of UNCTAD. From this fiscal year, Latin America has also been newly included among the target regions.

Okayama University will continue to strengthen its collaboration with UNCTAD, the United Nations focal entity for STI for the SDGs and actively promote human resource development initiatives for STI for SDGs from Okayama to the world.

◯ United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Established in 1964 and headquartered in Geneva, UNCTAD is the United Nations body responsible for trade, development, finance, investment, technology, and sustainable development issues. 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.