The L'Oréal–UNESCO Japan National Fellowships for Women in Science are awarded annually to outstanding young female scientists who are studying in doctoral programs or who are expected to proceed to a doctoral program, in order to promote their research activities by supporting and funding a 12-month fellowships at universities or research institutions in Japan.
Ms Yoko Yoshimura, PhD candidate at the Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, received the fellowship in Life & Physical Sciences Fields. Ms Kumiko Yamamoto, PhD candidate at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Tokyo, who is a graduate of the Faculty of Science, Kyoto University, received the award in the same fields at the same time. The awards ceremony was held at the French Ambassador's official residence, where Professor Kayo Inaba, Executive Vice-President for Gender Equality, International Affairs, and Public Relations, delivered an address.
Rationale for the Award
Ms Yoshimura made an outstanding contribution to practical application of a revolutionary information recording medium that achieves low power consumption at high operation speed.
Comment by Ms Yoko Yoshimura
"I am extremely honored and delighted to be given this award. Receiving such recognition of my research activity has boosted my confidence. I intend to keep working toward further developing my research abilities."
Comment by Professor Kayo Inaba, Executive Vice-President for Gender Equality, International Affairs, and Public Relations
"I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Ms Yoshimura on winning this distinguished award. On this auspicious occasion, I also want to express my expectation for future success in her research activities, and I hope that she will serve as a valuable and relatable role model for female students who are currently striving to become full-fledged researchers."
From left, Ms Yoko Yoshimura (PhD candidate at the Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University), Professor Kayo Inaba (Executive Vice-President for Gender Equality, International Affairs, and Public Relations, Kyoto University), Ms Kumiko Yamamoto (PhD candidate at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Tokyo, and a graduate of the Faculty of Science, Kyoto University)
Awardees at the ceremony