Unconscious Bias

Do you know about Unconscious Bias?

Recently we often hear “Unconscious Bias” and it refers to underlying prejudices that we are unaware of, but which affect our way of thinking and our proceptions.

Everyone has Unconscious Bias, and it is very common that people are under the influence of it.

However, it affects people. Especially if leaders of organizations such as universities are under this influence, they may create a prejudicious environment, which delays promotion of diversity.

Recognizing that everyone is under the influence of such bias can help to reduce its influence, and create a truly inclusive place.

Examples of Unconscious Bias

Stereotypes	beliefs that certain attributes, characteristics, and behaviors are typical of members of a particular group of people.
Normality Bias	beliefs that “I am OK.” even though there are problems.
Confirmation Bias	the inclination to draw conclusions about a situation or person based on your personal desires, beliefs and prejudices rather than on unbiased merit.
Authority Bias	when an idea or opinion is given more attention or thought to be more accurate because it was provided by an authority figure.
Conformity Bias	the tendency people have to act similar to the people around them regardless of their own personal beliefs or idiosyncrasies.

For your references,

---

The Japan Inter-Society Liaison Association Committee for Promoting Equal Participation of Men and Women in Science and Engineering (EPMEWSE)

「SEE BIAS and BLOCK BIAS」
https://www.djrenrakukai.org/en/index.html

Training Video (Internal Access Only)

The DEI Promotion Center has developed a training video and accompanying materials to promote awareness and mitigation of unconscious bias. Continuously reflecting on and addressing unconscious bias across the organization not only supports the recruitment of excellent researchers from diverse backgrounds, but also helps create an environment in which all researchers can fully demonstrate their abilities after joining the institution.

Strengthening Research Excellence through Diversity: Overcoming Unconscious Bias that Hinders Fair Evaluation（2026）