Receiving Start-up Research Funds for Women Researchers

When I applied for a faculty position at the University of Tokyo, I remember seeing the "Start-up Research Grant for Female Researchers" at the bottom of the application information and wondering how much research funding I would receive if I was selected. At the time, I was working at the National Cancer Institute in the United Kingdom, and grants for female researchers were not uncommon, so I did not feel particularly uncomfortable about this research grant. The year I arrived at the Sasai Laboratory, the lab had only been in operation for half a month, and we did not have all the experimental equipment for cells and needed to set up the lab. I was able to purchase microscopes, reagents, ES cells, and other equipment with the Start-up Research Grant, and I was grateful for the smooth start of my research. Thank you for your support. I would also like to thank the pioneers whose hard work made it possible for me to receive such support.

However, because I was in the UK until just before I arrived, I had a difficult time with the application process. I had to see the research environment with my own eyes to know what to buy with the research funds, and the administrative procedures took a lot of time to communicate through the administrative office. In addition, I had to ask Dr. Sasai to submit some documents, and in the end, I did not receive the payment until a month and a half after I arrived at my new position. Although it depends on the field of research, I think it would be better if the grant could be improved so that the application for the purchase of equipment could be made after the arrival of the new researcher. The current grant period is one year after the start of work, but it would be easier to use if the grant could be extended for six months or not, depending on the individual's situation. In addition, I think it would be more active if there were a start-up research grant for assistant professors, in addition to the one for women.
(March, 2017)