Shiseido Starts Accepting Applications for the 15th Shiseido Female Researcher Science Grant

Shiseido Company, Limited (“Shiseido”) will accept applications for the 15th Shiseido Female Researcher Science Grant*1 from Wednesday, September 15, 2021 to Tuesday, November 16, 2021. This grant was established in 2007 on the principle of supporting female researchers who will play a leading role in the next generation to contribute to the development of science and technology, and this year marks the 15th anniversary. This research grant provides various unique advantages covering a wide range of research fields not limited to cosmetics-related fields, sets no age limit for application, and allows funds to be used for supportive activities in the particular life stages of recipients such as childbirth and childcare in order to continue pursuing their research. Many past grant recipients have continued their research activities after receiving the award.
Shiseido is actively engaged in activities to support the advancement of women, with the aim of realizing “a sustainable world where everyone can enjoy a lifetime of happiness through the power of beauty.” In our research and innovation division, we collaborate with female researchers who share our philosophy to solve problems in the research environment in Japan.
*1　Each recipient will be awarded a research grant of 1 million yen.

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Shiseido’s sustainability strategy and the Shiseido Female Researcher Science Grant

We have set our 2030 goal of contributing to “a sustainable world where everyone can enjoy a lifetime of happiness through the power of beauty.” To achieve this goal, we will design and implement various activities from a long-term perspective, leveraging our experience in promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives centered on the active participation of female employees.
To date, we have been striving to realize a society in which everyone can freely exercise their abilities regardless of gender. However, in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the wide gender gap is a matter of concern. In Japan, women account for 16.9%*2 of total researchers. Although on a moderate uptrend in recent years, this percentage remains low compared to other countries against a backdrop of insufficient support and infrastructure for childbirth, childcare, and nursing care, etc., which are believed to have great impact on women’s research activities. In view of these circumstances, Shiseido established this grant in 2007 and has continued supporting female researchers who have the motivation to pursue leadership positions and are expected to contribute to the development of science and technology.
*2 Based on the Survey of Research and Development 2020, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

Application Guidelines for the 15th Shiseido Female Researcher Science Grant

●Purpose
The Grant is to support the research activities of female researchers with the aim of realizing a sustainable world where everyone can enjoy a lifetime of happiness and contribute to the development of female researchers pursuing future leadership roles.
●Target disciplines
Disciplines of natural science (Both science and engineering and life science fields are applicable).
*Disciplines relating to research on beauty/cosmetology and health, or research that has the potential to develop into those areas are welcome.
●Grant amount, Number of grants
One million yen per grant, maximum of 10 grants (Annual total: 10 million yen)
●Grant period
One year from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023
●Uses of grant
Grant can be used not only for research expenses such as reagents and equipment, but also for supporting expenses such as employment costs for research assistants and in supportive activities for life events (such as childbirth and childcare) including babysitter fees during business trips in order to continue pursuing their research.
●Target applicants
Female researchers who will be engaged in research in disciplines of a natural science at a university or research institute other than companies (all of which are located in Japan) during the grant period.
* No restrictions in terms of age or nationality.
* No references required. This is a completely open application system in which anyone is free to apply.
* Researchers (professors, etc.) who are already in a leadership role； graduate / undergraduate students at the time of application are ineligible to receive the grant.
●Application method
Read the Application Guideline in the URL below carefully, register for My Page, and apply via the Shiseido Female Researcher Science Grant website.
●Application period
From Wednesday, September 15, 2021 to Tuesday, November 16, 2021 (12:00p.m.)
●Evaluation method
Rigorously reviewed by the Judging Committee consisting of judges inside and outside Shiseido
●Judging Committee
[Chairman]
Katsunori Yoshida (Executive Officer, Shiseido Company, Limited.)
[Judges outside Shiseido(in alphabetical order)]
Associate Professor Ikuko Kakizaki of Hirosaki University
Honorary Professor Kashiko Kodate of the Japan Women’s University
Professor Takashi Kondo of Tokyo University
Professor Kimiko Yabe of Fukui University of Technology
●Announcement of evaluation results
Scheduled to be around March 2022.
●Further information
Shiseido Female Researcher Science Grant website (Japanese only)
https://corp.shiseido.com/jp/rd/doctor/grants/science/