Elsevier Foundation and RIKEN launch “Envisioning Futures” report: paving the way for gender equity and women’s leadership in Japanese research

A unique collaboration, the Elsevier Foundation and RIKEN, Japan’s premier research institute, have released “Envisioning Futures: Women’s Leadership and Gender Equity in Japanese Research,” a comprehensive report that shines a spotlight on the journeys, achievements and challenges faced by women research leaders in Japan. The report blends data-driven analysis with compelling personal narratives, offering a timely roadmap for institutional change and a call to action for the advancement of women in science and innovation.

The report shows that despite Japan’s global reputation for technological innovation, the country continues to grapple with persistent gender disparities in its research community. In a bid to help create a more inclusive and dynamic research ecosystem, “Envisioning Futures” tells stories that are not only testament to the resilience and ingenuity of pioneering women scientists but also serve as beacons of hope. By amplifying women’s voices and recognizing their indispensable contributions, this initiative aims to inspire future generations to break barriers and reimagine what is possible for Japanese science and society. Key highlights:

• Significant gender gap: As of March 31, 2024, women make up 22% of active researchers in– well below the global average of 41%.^[1]

• Leadership Disparity: Women hold an even smaller share of senior positions, with only 16% of scientific publication authorships and 17% of patent applications by women, underscoring a stark underrepresentation at the highest levels^[2].

• Nonlinear Pathways: Many women research leaders have advanced through flexible, opportunity-driven careers, reframing interruptions as sources of resilience and growth.

• People-centered leadership: Interviewees describe fostering lab cultures built on empowerment, collaboration and psychological safety – creating “communities of belonging”.

• Mentorship and networks: Access to mentorship and professional networks emerges as a vital driver of career progression and confidence-building for women in research.

• Cultural barriers: Persistent challenges include unconscious bias, unequal evaluation, cultural norms and limited institutional support for work-life balance.

• Progress and gaps: Japan’s ambitious government targets for women’s participation and leadership remain challenging, with incremental progress highlighting the need for continued vigilance and sustained action.

• Rethinking success metrics: Advocacy to broaden assessment criteria beyond publication metrics and patents to include societal impact, interdisciplinarity, mentorship and science communication ensuring that diverse contributions are valued.

“The journeys of these pioneering women research leaders remind us that true progress in science depends on inclusion, resilience and collective action. By embracing diverse career paths and recognizing a broader range of achievements, we can build a research ecosystem where all voices are heard and innovation flourishes,” said Dr. Yuko Harayama, Secretary General, Global Partnership on AI (GPAI); Former Executive Director, International Affairs, RIKEN and Former Member, The Elsevier Foundation Board.

“We are proud to partner with RIKEN on ‘Envisioning Futures’. By uniting the powerful stories of Japan’s women research leaders with national data, this report offers both insight and inspiration for change. RIKEN’s leadership and commitment to open dialogue are helping to shape a more inclusive future for Japanese science. Together, we are amplifying women’s voices and paving the way for the next generation of researchers to thrive,” added Ylann Schemm, Executive Director of The Elsevier Foundation.

• ¹ Progress towards Gender Equality in Research & Innovation – 2024 Review - Focus on Japan.

• ² Ibid.

Notes to Editors

Read the “Envisioning Futures” report, including profiles of female senior leaders and discover actionable recommendations for advancing gender equity in Japanese research.

For additional materials

• Progress Toward Gender Equality in Research & Innovation – 2024, focus on Japan. This is an abridged version of the original report. Available in English and in Japanese.

• “RIKEN Female PI Oral History Project: The Path to PI” website, with transcripts of the interviews in English and in Japanese. This page also includes short interview excerpts, available in Japanese with English subtitles.

Additional quotes from RIKEN PIs

• Collaborative research cannot be successful if only one party enjoys the benefits. There has to be proper give and take.” Dr. Reiko Mazuka

• I come from an era where being treated as if I didn’t exist was normal. Become a PI was telling me not only ‘You’re here’, but ‘It’s okay for you to be here’.” Dr. Yoshie Otake

• Diversity reduces the incidence of various difficulties by making it possible for people to exchange information and possible solutions freely and not have to feel isolated when they run into a problem.” Dr. Yukiko Goda

About The Elsevier Foundation

The Elsevier Foundation contributes over $1 million a year to non-profit organizations through inclusive research and health partnerships which incubate new approaches to catalyze change towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Funded by Elsevier, the Elsevier Foundation is a key part of Elsevier’s commitment to advance inclusive research and healthcare in partnership with the communities it serves. Since 2005, the Elsevier Foundation has contributed over $18 million in grants to over 100 partners in 70 countries around the world. www.elsevierfoundation.org

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