Sumire Ishihara of Okayama University Wins Joint President Award for Contributions to Laboratory Animal Research

Sumire Ishihara of Okayama University Receives Prestigious Award

On February 14, 2026, Sumire Ishihara, a prominent technical staff member at the Okayama University Division of Comprehensive Technology, was honored with the "Joint President Award" during the 21st Training Workshop for Laboratory Animal Technicians, hosted by the Japanese Association for Laboratory Animals, held at the Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University in Musashino, Tokyo. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the education and certification of laboratory animal technicians.

This year, a total of 15 individuals received the award, reflecting the importance of enhancing the skills and knowledge of laboratory animal technicians. As an award recipient, Ishihara has demonstrated her commitment to advancing the field through education and outreach programs designed to elevate the standards of laboratory animal science.

Ishihara has been certified as a Laboratory Animal Technician since 2017, following her initial certification as a Laboratory Animal Technical Assistant in 2015. Throughout her career, she has actively participated in the development of teaching materials and has provided practical training at designated universities, showcasing her dedication to promoting excellence in laboratory animal care.

In her acceptance speech, Ishihara expressed gratitude for the prestigious recognition: "Receiving this honorable award fills me with immense pride. I am committed to further refining my skills and serving not just our institution but also the wider community." Her words capture the spirit of continuous improvement that characterizes the professional ethos of laboratory animal technicians.

The Vice Chancellor, Ms. Norihito Sato, who also serves as the Deputy Director of the Division of Comprehensive Technology, expressed his delight at Ishihara's recognition. He emphasized the university's commitment to enhancing the capabilities of all staff members, stating, "We are dedicated to nurturing our technical staff and transforming their specialized knowledge into valuable insights that can drive innovation. We will continue to support various challenges our staff members undertake."

Okayama University's Division of Comprehensive Technology is working to strengthen collaboration among its technical staff while promoting skill enhancement through diverse training programs. This initiative contributes to the university's identity as a central, research-oriented institution that excels in education and clinical activities.

Okayama University is proud to be recognized as a participating school in the "Promotion of Research Universities that Serve as Community Hubs and Preserve Unique Attributes (J-PEAKS)" project. The university is committed to fostering a transformative research environment that encourages social change and innovation, benefiting both the local community and the global community.

As we look ahead, we expect continued evolution and challenges at Okayama University, and anticipate the ongoing contributions of our technical staff, spearheaded by professionals like Ishihara, who are vital to our mission.