Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyze trends in university policy reforms for gender equity
in Japan, with a focus on Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science and Technology (SCF).
SCF is a budget for the implementation of science and technology promotion that enhances system
reforms to develop human resources and create innovation. It supports universities and research
institutions, as initiative models, to implement efforts to promote the activities of female researchers.
TheMinistry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) encourages universities
and research institutions to set out relevant frameworks and action plans for gender equity, as well as
to specify targets for hiring and appointing female researchers to higher positions through competitive
project funding. In this paper, the author investigates how policy environment influences university
reforms for female researchers and, as a case study, examines Kyushu University’s programs, such
as the establishment of the support office for female researchers, the programs to dispatch research
assistants to support busy female researchers, and the enrichment programs for the next generation.
