＜Events＞Tohoku University DEI Symposium“Frontlines of Empowering Next-Gen Girls in STEM: Best Practices from France and Japan, and the 20-Year Legacy and Future of Science Ambassadors” (December 18, 2026)

• Date / Time: Friday, December 18, 2026 /14:00–17:15
  
• Hybrid Event: Onsite・Online (Webinar)
  
• Venue: Conference Room, 2nd Floor, TohokuUniversity Centennial Hall (Kawauchi Hagi Hall)
  
  • As no parking is available at the venue, we encourage attendees to use public transportation.
    
• Registration deadline: Thursday, December 10th, 17:00 JST
  
• More Information: Please check the Poster (PDF).
  
  • Simultaneous interpretation (English/Japanese) and real-time live captioning via UD Talk (with live correction) will be provided for this event.

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Tohoku University DEI Symposium“Frontlines of Empowering Next-Gen Girls in STEM: Best Practices from France and Japan, and the 20-Year Legacy and Future of Science Ambassadors”

Diversity of thought and knowledge is essential for advancing science and technology and fostering innovation. Yet the underrepresentation of women in STEM remains a significant challenge. At Tohoku University, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a core institutional commitment, guiding a wide range of initiatives to create a more inclusive academic and research environment. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Science Ambassadors program (formerly Science Angels), through which female graduate students inspire and support next-generation girls to pursue STEM education and careers. This symposium will showcase pioneering initiatives from Japan and abroad that encourage middle and high school girls to explore STEM fields. Our keynote speakers are Dr. Audrey Mazur-Palandre, who leads science engagement programs for young women in France, and Mr. Hideaki Ishikura, Director and COO of the Yamada Shintaro D&I Foundation, which promotes initiatives such as “Girls Meet STEM” in Japan. The program will also feature a special 20th-anniversary session organized by current Science Ambassadors. By bringing together global perspectives and the voices of young people who are shaping the future, the symposium aims to inspire action toward a more diverse and inclusive future for STEM.

Program

General Chairperson:
Masayuki Akiyama (Associate Executive Vice President (for DEI), Vice Director, Center for DEI)

Opening Remarks
Teiji Tominaga（President, Tohoku University)

Guest Remarks
Guest from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology（MEXT）

Lecture
DEI Promotion in Tohoku University: Aiming for a University Where Everyone Shines
・Mami Tanaka（Vice President for Promotion of Diversity, Tohoku University / Director, Center for DEI）
・Masayuki Yagasaki（Assistant Professor of Department of Economics and Management, Tohoku University）

Break

On the 20th Anniversary of Science Ambassadors: Shaping Our Future, Empowering the Next Generation

Video Message
Keiko Sawai
Director-General, Gender Equality Bureau, Cabinet Office

Closing Remarks
Mami Tanaka（Vice President for Promotion of Diversity, Tohoku University / Director, Center for DEI）

Registration

Registration deadline: Thursday, December 10th, 17:00 JST

• Google Form

[In-Person Only]

Photos and videos taken during the event may be published on our website and PR materials. Please contact us in advance if you need any accommodations or support.

Contact

• News in Japanese