Message from the Dean
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Message from the Dean As of 2020, the doctoral program at Nara Women's University comprises four majors, namely, Humanities, Life and Environmental Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Life Science and Engineering. Furthermore, the name of the graduate school was changed to the Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences. Our graduate school is characterized by three general points, namely, 1) promotion of cutting-edge research backed by tradition, 2) a variety of generous educational and research support systems, and 3) the provision of a place where students can promote their researches proactively. Regarding the first characteristic, Nara Women's University Graduate School has a long tradition of producing female researchers and specialists. This graduate school, while drawing on this tradition, has established an educational system that clarifies the principles and concepts of the basic academic disciplines that form the foundation of students' education and allows for advanced and interdisciplinary research activities that transcend the boundaries of disciplines. Distinctive, cutting-edge studies are being conducted in each research area, and graduate students are encouraged to pursue such research on their own. Regarding the second feature, the university is constantly striving to enhance its educational and research environment. Examples include a long-term student system, a flexible educational guidance curriculum that includes evenings and holidays, programs for career development, and a childcare support system. Moreover, financial support measures for students include the SGC Fellowship and SGC+ programs for doctoral students, which began in 2021, and the SGC-NEXUS program, providing a research grant (equivalent to a salary) and research expenses, which was launched in 2024, thus allowing doctoral students to devote themselves to research without worrying about finances. In addition, we support the development of female researchers and specialists by introducing systems such as the Support System for Pre-Doctoral Master's Degree Completion and the Support System for Renewed Challenges for Female Researchers, offering support for those seeking admission to the doctoral program of the university by not charging admission fees and recognizing previously earned credits. The third characteristic of our graduate school is that the students play a leading role. Highly skilled professionals are increasingly recognized as
contributors who solve societal challenges and drive innovation. We hope that all of you, who have a proactive and motivated awareness that
you are the key people who will create a vibrant graduate school and build
the future of Japan, will enroll in our graduate school and seek to improve
yourselves through independent research activities under an appropriate
research guidance system. To transform our society, which faces various
problems, it is necessary for all of you with a high level of awareness
to acquire a scientific viewpoint and grow by putting that perspective
into practice. Our graduate school offers the best place for you to flourish
as female researchers and professionals. And enrich your own career. Ribeka Takachi |
