The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) is holding a Brilliant Female Researcher Award (Jun Ashida Award) to recognize female researchers who are conducting outstanding research that contributes to a sustainable society and future, and to organizations that promote their activities (sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, in cooperation with Jun Ashida). The third award ceremony was held at the Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

From among many excellent applicants, the "Shining Female Researcher Award (Jun Ashida Award)" was awarded to Makiko Sasada, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Tokyo. In addition to the trophy, she received a 1 million yen prize from the Ashida Fund.

The "Shining Female Researcher Promotion Award (Jun Ashida Award)" was awarded to Nagoya University (President: Seiichi Matsuo), a member of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research Organization, and the "Shining Female Researcher Award (Japan Science and Technology Agency President's Award)" was awarded to Asami Iima, assistant professor in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Development, Kyoto University Hospital, and Mako Kamiya, associate professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo.

Following the award ceremony, there were speeches by the winners and a talk session on the similarities and differences between science and fashion, with Ashida Tae taking to the stage.

Photo (above): From left: Masako Kamiya, Tae Ashida, Makiko Sasada, and Asami Iima