Sustainable Development and Energy Transition in Europe and Asia

9Analyzing the Reasons for the Low Ratio of Female Researchers in Japan: An Exploration of the Issue of Diversity and Sustainability in Japanese Academia

The ratio of female researchers in Japan, at 16.2%, is the lowest among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries and the ratio of female professors, at 16.9%, is also very low. This study analyzes the reasons for the low ratio of female researchers based on a large-scale survey. It then explores the issue of diversity and sustainability in Japanese academia. Questionnaires were distributed to female and male researchers mainly working in universities, and belonging to academic associations of the Science Council of Japan. A total of 2,972 researchers responded to questionnaires via the web by the end of November 2018. Based on the analysis of the data obtained through the survey, the study discusses the reasons for the low ratio of female researchers as well as the low ratio of female researchers in leading positions in Japanese academia. It then considers what remedial actions should be taken to improve the situation, and how research performance should be evaluated in the recruitment process. The study concluded that academia should be able to introduce more creative perspectives, increase flexibility, and achieve inclusive growth, leading to more sustainable development by promoting female researcher advancement from the perspective of diversity.

9.1. Current situation of female researchers in Japan ...