Abstract
For interim assessment of the "Female Researchers Support Program (FY 2007-2009)" at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the authors conducted a questionnaire survey in May 2008. Of the 4300 researchers at AIST, 14% responded to the survey and the following tendencies were found : 1) A dipole structure of discontent exists regarding the research environment depending on the status of researchers, permanent or temporary. 2) Compared to their male counterparts and female researchers over 40 years of age, younger female researchers indicated greater desire to be promoted in the next five years. 3) The rate of full-time, married male researchers between the ages of 31 and 40 is about 70%. This is about 20% more than female researchers in the same age range. Analysis of the survey results indicates that support is needed in the following areas : education, carrier path development and establishment of work-life balance for all researchers, and special assistance for females as the minority in the research setting.
