07
- Mikako Ogawa
- Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University
Instead of building a glass ceiling yourself,
If there's something you want to do, I encourage you to give it a try.
LILAS
Leaders for people with innovation,
Liberty and Ambitions.
A series of interviews with female researchers introducing leading female leaders who are at the forefront of their fields.LILASLilac means lilac in French, and is also known as the flower of Sapporo. Along with plant arrangements inspired by the interview content, we will be sharing this original interview series, conveying messages about the strength, flexibility, and diversity that plants possess.
- 07
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The seventh participant is Mikako Ogawa from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Through molecular imaging research, Ms. Ogawa is exploring new possibilities that can help understand and treat diseases.
Since becoming a professor and leading the research lab, I've faced challenges such as securing funding and training personnel, but I continue to take on new challenges every day with the strong desire to "save even one life through research."
We asked him about his thoughts as a researcher and as a leader guiding a team.
Running a research lab means,
Like the president of a small or medium-sized enterprise
What difficulties did you encounter in running your research lab?
I had my own research lab for the first time after joining Hokkaido University. Before that, I was an associate professor, essentially the number two. The professor was in a position where he took responsibility, so looking back now, I think that was the time when I was able to do research most freely. I could concentrate on my own work and felt like I was soaring. It was only when I took on a position of responsibility that I truly realized how difficult it is to run a research lab.
Running a research lab is like being the CEO of a small or medium-sized enterprise. You have to secure funding, produce results, develop people, and then use that to secure further funding. The scariest thing is when the cash flow dries up, so I'm constantly thinking about money. In fact, since becoming a professor, I've come to feel like "money matters more than research." When I talk about this with professors at other universities, they say "everyone feels that way," so I guess that's just how it is.
Also, when I became a professor, a senior colleague told me, "Being a professor is lonely," and I really felt that was true. As an associate professor, you can consult with other professors, but as a professor, there's no one above you to talk to. It can be difficult to talk about things if your field is similar, and there are things you can't talk about with people close to you. I immediately felt the "loneliness" in the sense of not having anyone to talk to after taking up the position.
The staff and students who left the laboratory
I want you to be happy.
How about student and staff management?
We don't have a large staff, so we need everyone to work hard. Of course, we're all human, so we have our own opinions, but we just have to get along as adults. However, you can't get away with昭和-era sensibilities with the younger generation, so I'm always thinking about "how far I can go."
Regarding students, I believe that it's more important for them to develop the skills to live independently and thrive in society than to focus solely on research. After all, once they enter society, no one will protect them. I hope that the staff and students who leave this research lab will find happiness.
Please tell me about your teaching style.
I'm quite laissez-faire. I believe research should be something you do because you want to, not something you're forced to do. I provide the necessary environment for research, but beyond that, I leave it up to the students themselves.
When I was a student, I secretly conducted experiments and experienced the joy of unexpectedly getting results. That's why I want students to have that kind of experience too. Even if you fail, there are challenges that you can only take on during your student years. I believe that the trial and error you go through on your own, including failures, while you're in the research lab will become a great asset as a researcher.
It is important to create a balanced environment from the start.
Please share your thoughts on diversity.
I believe it's wrong to have to consider gender or nationality when conducting research. It would feel strange if everyone were male or female. That's why it's important to create a balanced environment from the start.
However, looking at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences as a whole, the faculty is almost entirely male. There are still very few female assistant professors. Many professors don't feel uncomfortable being in a male-dominated group, but I think that in itself is a problem. Unless we create an environment where women and foreigners are more naturally included, I think it will be difficult for young people to join.
In our research lab, because we have a small number of members, we make a conscious effort to avoid having a group that is predominantly male. Since half of the human population is female, I think it's more comfortable for the research lab to have a similar ratio.
Have you had any role models in your career so far?
There were people I admired and wanted to emulate at different times. I have great respect for Professor Miya Ishihara of the National Defense Medical College. She is extremely talented, has the ability to motivate those around her, and is able to stick to her convictions without fear of being disliked. Women in leadership positions can sometimes give off a strong impression, but I think it's wonderful that she does what she believes is right without being afraid of that.
Professor Miki Haseyama of Hokkaido University is also one of my role models. She is a kind and considerate professor, but she makes extremely accurate judgments, and the scale of her research funding and her influence are overwhelming.
It's unfortunate that women who have a strong will are often labeled as "scary," but I believe it's important not to let yourself be bound by such judgments.
"I want to save at least one life through my research."
Please tell me about your research and contributions to society.
The field of "molecular imaging," which emerged when I began my research, has now reached maturity. Mature fields tend to see less innovation and are somewhat declining in popularity. That's precisely why I believe we need to consider the next step: "next molecular imaging." This isn't something I can do alone; I believe it's a challenge that requires a global effort.
Furthermore, I hope to save at least one life through my research. If I, as an individual, can save even one life through my research, I believe I can affirm my own existence. It may sound a little extreme, but that's the feeling that drives me to continue my research.
What are your thoughts on contributing to the university?
I accepted the position of Assistant to the President because there was no major opposition to President Takaragi's ideas. I felt that "assisting this person would be fine." Initially, I was in charge of social collaboration, but later I became involved in the work of the Research Strategy Office. Now that I am in a position to be directly involved in research, I strongly feel that we must make better use of Hokkaido University's excellent research environment.
Because all faculties except the Faculty of Fisheries are located in one place at Hokkaido University, it has an environment that makes collaborative and interdisciplinary research very easy. This is a major strength that other universities do not have. I believe it is important to leverage this environment and create a support system to generate research unique to Hokkaido University.
However, ultimately, nothing can be done without money. Securing research funding is a chicken-or-the-egg situation; the problem of funding is always a major obstacle. That said, Hokkaido University cannot possibly succeed by simply following in the footsteps of other universities. Rather, I hope that the executive board will be proactive in coming up with new ideas and demonstrating its originality, and I intend to contribute to that as well.
There are some views that can only be seen by going higher.
Please provide a message for young researchers aiming for higher positions.
I hope female researchers won't create a glass ceiling for themselves. Women are often humble and tend to set limits for themselves, but instead of saying "I can't do it," I want them to try if there's something they want to do. There are views you can only see by going higher.
Of course, when you're fighting a lone battle, you might hear people say, "Women are scary." But women's allies are other women. Even if there aren't many women around you, you can connect with female researchers in other fields, and I've been helped by such colleagues myself. It's surprisingly manageable, so I hope you'll move forward without fear.
LILAS
Library
This is an older essay focusing on single and childless women, but it still feels fresh today. On the other hand, it also suggests that Japan hasn't changed much... I highly recommend this book to both women and men.
LILAS
Plants
Like hydrangeas and panicle hydrangeas, they change flower color and remain on the branches even after wilting, possessing the strength to bloom for a long time despite having thorns.
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Hydrangea
Scientific name: Hydrangea macrophylla Family and genus: Hydrangeaceae, Hydrangea
- Hydrangeas native to Japan that have been selectively bred in Europe are called Western hydrangeas or European hydrangeas.
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ノリウツギ
Scientific name: Hydrangea paniculata Family and genus: Hydrangeaceae, Hydrangea
- In Hokkaido, it is often called "Sabita." It can be found throughout Japan, as well as in Sakhalin and China.
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Zinnia
Scientific name: Zinnia Family and genus: Asteraceae, Zinnia
- It is known as "Hyakunichiso" (Zinnia). It has a long flowering period and is available in many varieties as a cut flower.
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rose thorns
LILASThis is part of the Hokkaido University 150th Anniversary Project. Hokkaido University will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026.
