Shiseido Announces Recipients of the 19th Shiseido Female Researcher Science Grant

Shiseido Company, Limited (“Shiseido”) has selected 10 recipients of the 19th Shiseido Female Researcher Science Grant (“the Grant”) from among 137 applicants. The award ceremony will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Shiseido Global Innovation Center.

Since its establishment in 2007, the Grant has provided research funding to up to 10 female researchers each year for a wide range of research themes in the natural sciences, encompassing science and engineering and the life sciences. This initiative is based on the belief that supporting female researchers who aspire to take on leadership roles in the next generation will contribute to the advancement of science and technology.

One distinctive feature of the Grant is that recipients may flexibly use the grant of one million yen to create an environment that enables them to balance their research activities with major life events. For example, the funds may be used to cover babysitting or childcare expenses when attending academic conferences or to hire research assistants. The Grant also provides recipients with opportunities to build networks with one another, supporting their subsequent research activities and career development.

As awareness grows of the challenges involved in closing the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Japan, Shiseido will support female researchers in continuing their research and developing their careers, thereby contributing to the advancement of science and technology and the realization of a sustainable society.

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Current Status of Female Researchers in Japan and the Role of the Grant

Although the proportion of female researchers in Japan has been increasing and reached 19.0%*1, it remains low compared with that of many other countries.

In recent years, systems supporting the working environment of female researchers have gradually improved. These developments include enhanced measures to help researchers balance their careers with major life events, as well as an increase in positions specifically designated for female researchers. Nevertheless, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions within research institutions, including positions such as university professor and university president.

Against this backdrop, Shiseido established the Grant in 2007 to support female researchers who aspire to take on leadership roles in the future and has continued the initiative ever since. In addition to providing research funding, the Grant supports research continuity and career development by creating opportunities for recipients to build networks with one another and engage in dialogue with senior researchers. Past recipients have reported that receiving the Grant increased their motivation to advance their career and strengthened their confidence in continuing their research.

Furthermore, among former recipients who have now reached the mid-career stage, more than half currently hold leadership positions*2. Across all previous recipients, more than 20 researchers*3 have received the Young Scientists’ Award under the Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, in addition to receiving other prestigious awards. These accomplishments are, first and foremost, the result of the researchers’ own tireless efforts and dedication. At the same time, they suggest that the Grant’s objective of “supporting female researchers who will take on leading roles in the next generation” is steadily being realized.

*1 Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications 2025 Science and Technology Research Survey Results (https://www.stat.go.jp/data/kagaku/kekka/youyaku/pdf/2025youyak.pdf）
*2 According to a follow-up survey conducted by Shiseido, referring to positions equivalent to heads of institutions or full professors.
*3 A follow-up survey conducted by Shiseido, including track records both prior to and after receiving the Grant.

Prospects

For female researchers to further expand their fields of activity and for science and technology in Japan to continue advancing, it is important to incorporate diverse perspectives into the decision-making levels of research institutions. It is also necessary to foster research environments in which diversity is respected. Reflecting this awareness, this year’s award ceremony will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), former Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and researchers actively working in the field. Together, participants will engage in a multifaceted discussion on the approaches needed to enable female researchers to thrive, drawing on perspectives from government, academia and industry.

Shiseido will continue to deepen its collaboration with government and academia to help build an environment in which female researchers can thrive and further advance their careers. Through these efforts, Shiseido will contribute to greater diversity in research and to the advancement of science and technology in Japan.

Outline of the Award Ceremony

＜Event Name＞ Shiseido Female Researcher Science Grant Award Ceremony 2026
＜Theme＞ “Considering How Government, Academia, and Industry Can Enable Female Researchers to Thrive”
＜Time and Date＞ Friday, July 24, 2026, 10:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
＜Venue＞ 3F, Shiseido Global Innovation Center (1-2-11 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan)

＜Event Agenda＞
-Opening Remarks and Presentation of Award Plaques
Kentaro Fujiwara, Director Representative, Corporate Executive Officer, President and CEO, Shiseido Co., Ltd.
-Guest Remarks
Keiko Aihara, Director, Office for the Promotion of Human Resources Policy, Human Resources Policy Division, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
-Keynote Speech
Yasuko Yamamura, Former Program Officer, Japan Science and Technology Agency
-Congratulatory Remarks
Chiaki Tomita, Division Officer, Global Brand President, Global Premium Brands, Shiseido Co., Ltd.
-Reviewer's Comments
Yosuke Tojo, Corporate Executive Officer, Chief Officer, Chief Innovation Officer, Global Technology Officer, Shiseido Co., Ltd.
-Speech by a Former Grant Recipient
Harumi Sato, Professor and Dean, Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University
-Speech by an External Reviewer
Takashi Kondo, Professor, Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
-Acceptance Speech

＜The 18th Research Report Meeting＞
-Presentation and Discussion
By 9 recipients of the 18th Shiseido Female Researcher Science Grant
-Social Gathering