Diversity
and Super Global Training Program
for Female and Young Faculty

On April 7, 2025, Kyushu University held the SENTAN-Q Final Project Report Symposium online, with simultaneous interpretation in Japanese and English.

Kyushu University was selected in FY2019 for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)’s “Initiative for Realizing Diversity in the Research Environment (Advanced Type).”
Under this initiative, we have promoted the “Diversity and Super Global Training Program for Female and Young Faculty (SENTAN-Q)” with the aim of nurturing female and early-career researchers who can thrive globally.

Although the SENTAN-Q Program will continue beyond FY2025, this symposium marked the conclusion of the six-year grant-supported phase, and served as an opportunity to report on its achievements.

As outlined in the program, the event was moderated by alumni from the 1st and 2nd cohorts of the SENTAN-Q program.
President Ishibashi delivered the opening remarks, followed by congratulatory messages and encouraging words from representatives of MEXT and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), expressing high expectations for the program’s future.

Senior Vice President Tamada provided an overview of the program, explaining its structure comprising six STEPs.
She also shared newly introduced data analysis results that highlight the effectiveness of the program.

To date, 60 faculty members have participated in the program, and 40 of them have been promoted within one year of completing their training.
If the current trend continues, over 20 female professors are expected to emerge by the end of the 6th cohort.

Members involved in each STEP shared inspiring insights:

A selection committee member from STEP 1 emphasized the mindset required as a researcher, how perspectives shift based on one’s position, and the importance of cultivating humanity.
International lecturers from STEP 2 (University Governance and DEI Education) and STEP 3 (Active Learning-based Teaching in English) praised the thoughtful program design and expressed their expectations for the future success of trainees.
For STEP 5 (Recurrent Education in Cutting-edge Research), internal instructors shared reflections from their experience, stating that the training not only broadened the trainees’ perspectives but also provided valuable insights for the instructors themselves.

 

After a short break, graduates from the 1st to 4th cohorts participated in panel discussions.

Two sessions were held on the themes of:

“Learning through SENTAN-Q and International Collaborative Research”
“Post-promotion Impact of Learning through SENTAN-Q”
In both sessions, participants shared their experiences in expanding international networks and shifts in awareness brought about by their overseas activities and promotions.
The discussions highlighted how the SENTAN-Q training contributed to their professional growth.

In his concluding remarks, Senior Vice President Tamada expressed that the program’s success has been made possible through strong collaboration among trainees, selection committee members, mentors from Japan and abroad, and other stakeholders.

The symposium concluded with a closing address by Executive Vice President, Sonoda, the project lead.

The event was attended by 175 participants online.
Post-event survey responses included feedback such as:

“The training program was very well designed and highly informative.”
“The trainees’ deepened understanding of diversity left a lasting impression.”
Many participants also expressed a strong desire for the continuation of the program.

In response to requests from those who could not attend or only joined part of the event, a video recording in the original languages will be made available for a limited time.

We sincerely thank all those who participated in the symposium.
Nominations for the 7th cohort of the SENTAN-Q program are currently being accepted.
We appreciate your continued understanding and support for SENTAN-Q.

 

SENTAN-Q Coordinator 

Prof. Eriko Jotaki , Office for the Promotion of Gender Equality, KU

 

Release : April 23 17:00, 2025