Round-table Discussion on "Women in Science and Engineering" Held

On November 12, a round-table discussion titled "Women in Science and Engineering" was held at the Tsukuba Campus. The event was part of a collaborative initiative under the NTU-UGA-UT Trilateral Center, launched in October 2024 by National Taiwan University (NTU), Université Grenoble-Alpes (UGA), and the University of Tsukuba (UT).

The discussion featured four speakers: Prof. Hsiu-Yu Yu (Materials Science, NTU), Prof. Signe Seidelin (Quantum and Solid-State Physics, UGA), Assoc. Prof. Marceline Bonvalot (Semiconductor Physics, UGA; Co-Director of J-FAST*), Prof. Hiroko Isoda (Food Science, UT). Each speaker shared her career journey and reflected on the role of international experience in shaping professional development for women in science.

Prof. Yu, who completed graduate studies in Taiwan and earning a Ph.D. in the United States, described how she built confidence through gradual exposure to international opportunities.

Assoc. Prof. Bonvalot described her career path moving between France, the United States, andJapan, and explained that opportunities often come with challenges but can also be deeply rewarded when approached with thoughtful decisions.

Prof. Seidelin, originally from Denmark, reflected on her experiences studying in France and Spain and conducting research in the United States before joining UGA. She noted that overcoming language and cultural barriers was difficult but ultimately strengthened her resilience.

Prof. Isoda introduced her transition from industry to academia while balancing family responsibilities. She encouraged young researchers to keep their desire to continue research, as that determination can eventually lead to securing a position and achieving long-term goals.

The event also included interactive sessions where students shared concerns about language and cultural differences during overseas research stays. UGA representatives expressed their willingness to support Japanese students interested in conducting research at their institution, paving the way for future collaboration.

This roundtable provided a valuable opportunity to promote international research exchange and support career development for women in science and engineering under the collaborative framework of NTU, UGA, and UT.

* About J-FAST
J-FAST is an international joint research center established by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) at the University of Tsukuba. It promotes collaborative research between Japan and France, with a primary focus on semiconductor physics.