We have revamped our "Support Program for Shadowing Training for Female Researchers to Senior Faculty Members," which we have been accepting applications for for some time, to make it easier to apply now that we have been selected for the "Diversity Research Environment Promotion Initiative (Leading Type)"!
Additionally, for those who would like to discuss their situation in more detail, we will be holding a "Consultation Week" where you can visit the support office without prior reservation. We also accept consultations via email, phone, or in person by appointment at any time, so please feel free to contact us.
Mentoring and Shadowing Training Consultation Week
Date and Time: September 17th (Tue) - September 20th (Fri), 10:9 AM - 9:16 PM
Place:Office for Supporting Female Researchers (1st Floor, Building 1, General Research Building, Central Campus, Kita 12-jo Nishi 7-chome)
During Consultation Week, you can consult with us about the details of the program, finding a mentor, application procedures, etc., without prior reservation. Please feel free to visit the Women Researchers Support Office directly.
Business overview
This program supports voluntary training for female researchers aiming to advance their careers, which involves mentoring and job shadowing with senior faculty members (hereinafter referred to as "mentors") in order to learn about research activities and work management.
The aim of this training is to provide participants with an understanding of the realities of senior positions and management roles within organizations, thereby gaining new perspectives, knowledge, and motivation, and ultimately contributing to the expansion of senior research positions and the number of female managers.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is the process of receiving direct guidance from a mentor regarding educational and research activities, as well as career development.
シャドウイングとは
Shadowing involves accompanying a mentor on their daily work, observing communication and decision-making at various levels, and learning the skills and behavioral norms of a senior researcher.
For details, please see the application guidelines below.
Application method
Fill out the application form with the required information and submit it six weeks before your desired training start date (final deadline:2019.12.10 (Tue)Friday, January 31, 2020)Please send it by email to the Women Researchers Support Office (freshu@synfoster.hokudai.ac.jp) by [date].
*If the total amount of funds selected reaches the budget limit, applications will be closed at that time. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
*Although the application guidelines below state the final deadline as "December 10, 2019," it has been extended to "January 31, 2020." We look forward to receiving your application.
Recruitment Guidelines/Application Form
Application Guidelines (PDF)
Application guidelines (PDF)
Application Form Download
*The application form has been updated to a newer version. (2019/9/26)
*English version of the application guidelines has been added. (2019/9/25)
*The application form has been updated to a newer version. (2019/9/19)
*The application form has been updated to a newer version. (2019/9/10)
Regarding the results of shadowing training
1) Implementer
Between 2017 and 2018, five female faculty members at our university participated in shadowing training.
| year | Support recipients | Mentors | period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Associate Professor, Northern Biosphere Field Science Center | External Professor | 2017/11 / 20-11 / 22 |
| 2017 | Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences | University Professor | 2017/12/12, 12/19, 2018/2/11 |
| 2017 | Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine | External Professor | 2018/2 / 13-2 / 14 |
| 2018 | Faculty of Engineering Assistant Professor | University Professor | 2019/2/22, 2/15 |
2) Summary of the results of the questionnaire given to the implementers
Regarding the results of the shadowing training, 3 out of 4 participants (75%) gave the highest rating (6 out of 6) to "My desired self-image and direction have become clearer" and "My motivation for higher-level positions has increased."
Regarding the evaluation of the shadowing training program, 75% of participants rated "Excellent" for "the value of this shadowing training to you," "overall evaluation of this training," and "ease of use of the program," and including those who rated it "Good," 100% of participants were satisfied.
Furthermore, 100% of respondents rated the book as "Excellent" when asked how likely they were to recommend it to other female researchers.
3) Voices of the implementers
"In the past, especially for male faculty members, there were opportunities to closely observe the work of higher-ranking staff in positions such as 'bag carrier' or, in the case of onboard researchers, 'chief clerk.' I never had the opportunity to follow them around like that, so I'm very glad I was able to participate in this program."
“I think this program is really good for early-career female researcher like me.
After shadowing a seminar in laboratory of the mentor and discussing with her,
I believe that gender is not a matter in leading a good research, expanding collaboration, and career.”
