The Gender Equality Promotion Office, Gifu University hosted a research facility inspection tour on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. The participants were invited to visit the National Institute for Fusion Science (Toki City, Gifu Prefecture), and the Science World Gifu Research Center (Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture).

The tour was conducted as part of the "Gifu Women Scientists' Support Project1," being undertaken since Gifu University was selected for the 2023 program to support female students to take science courses promoted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The following are the major objectives of the project; 1) secure diversity in research, 2) convey the advantages of science studies to female junior and senior high school students, their guardians and school teachers within Gifu Prefecture for the creation of "gendered innovations", 3) help building future career paths and present role models for female researchers, and 4) implement number of programs (visiting lectures, inspection tours, exchange meetings, etc.) to support female students to study science courses in the future.

On August 2, selected 30 female junior and senior students and teachers attended the tour (there were more applicants than a maximum number of participants for the tour).

At the National Institute for Fusion Science, students observed a control room (the room was used for a shooting of TV drama in the past), the world largest helical device, vacuum testing and a magnetic levitation railway system. In addition, students had a chance to listen to three female researchers concerning their careers, motivations and work and life balance.

In the Science World Gifu Research Center, students took part in science demonstrations, studied how a balloon, airplane and helicopter flies. They also challenged a manufacturing work by using a mirror and joined a "spot a difference" game. The following are the feedback from the students: "I confirmed various scientific phenomena before my eyes and reviewed what I have learned in classes. The tour was quite fulfilling and rewarding for me." "I made up mind studying physics and chemistry more." "When I heard the stories from the female researchers, I thought I could expand a possibility of my business career." Teachers who accompanied the students also said that they were encouraged by the female researchers and expressed their wishes to challenge something new.

The "Gifu Women Scientists' Support Project" will continue to offer various programs for female junior and senior high school students, their guardians and teachers within Gifu Prefecture. Please send your message to <habataki@t.gifu-u.ac.jp> for your inquiries about the project.

1) tentative English name