#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #UNCTAD #Young Female Scientist

Visit of Young Female Researchers to Okayama University

On December 10, 2025, Okayama University welcomed three young female researchers from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) as part of the Young Female Scientist Programme in Japan. The visiting researchers included:

• - Vivian Philemon Mushi from Tanzania, a lecturer in parasitology and medical entomology at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.
• - Olga Alejandra Zamora Jerez from Guatemala, the head of the Biotechnology Research Center at Valle University.
• - Katherine Ivette Calderón Mayo from Peru, a researcher at FARVET and a doctoral student in the health sciences program at National University of San Marcos.

The visit involved a courtesy call to President Yasutomo Nasu, who, along with the hosting professors from various faculties, highlighted the importance of the program aimed at empowering women scientists. The discussion covered the current state of gender gaps across different countries and facilitated an exchange of ideas among the young researchers about their respective research and projects.

Following the meeting, a lunch gathering provided a warm atmosphere where the researchers shared their motivations for participating in the program and their experiences living in Okayama. This allowed for deeper personal connections and discussions about their academic journeys.

On the same day, the researchers experienced Japanese culture by visiting Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle, and they enjoyed traditional matcha tea, immersing themselves in local customs.

Collaboration with UNCTAD

Okayama University and UNCTAD established a comprehensive partnership in January 2020 to enhance human resources in science and technology innovation (STI) aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative marks the first of its kind within the university sector worldwide, and it has successfully welcomed young female researchers from Africa, ASEAN, and Latin America for short-term collaborative research and training exchanges lasting between two weeks to a month. This year, which serves as the inaugural year for Latin America, has seen participation from three researchers, including the aforementioned Olgas and Katherine.

Okayama University is committed to strengthening its collaboration with UNCTAD and boosting its efforts to train future leaders in STI for SDGs. We look forward to sharing our initiatives with the world as we continue to position ourselves as a leading research university known for its unique contributions.

About UNCTAD

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Geneva, UNCTAD is a core UN institution that comprehensively addresses issues related to trade, development, finance, investment, technology, and sustainability. The organization aims to optimize trade, investment, and development opportunities for developing countries while assisting them in addressing issues arising from globalization.

For more information about Okayama University's Global Engagement Center, you can visit their official website.

We invite all stakeholders to support Okayama University's ambitious goals as a distinctive research university focused on co-creation and the future of sustainable development.