Support for Women Students

The diversity of students, faculty, and staff is one of the important values at OIST, and OIST is working to make the research environment more equitable for all, including women. Currently, over 40% of the PhD students at OIST are female, and OIST is actively recruiting female PhD candidates.

From Pre-enrollment to Conferral of PhD

Led by the Dean of the Graduate School, OIST Graduate School has established a committee to promote the advancement of women, and in cooperation with the faculty, OIST is constantly reviewing and revising the systems to ensure consistent support for women throughout the process of student recruitment, admissions, enrollment, student life, and completion of the PhD program. OIST also provides education and training opportunities for staff within the university to learn about the importance of diversity.

Rita R. Colwell Impact Fund

Represented by the establishment of the Rita R. Colwell Impact Fund to support the advancement of female scientists, OIST continues to pursue a culture of promoting greater diversity and gender equality within the OIST community, as well as nurturing women and girls in Okinawa who are interested in science and offering them opportunities to build their careers and become the future leaders in science.

Parental Leave

PhD students who expect to give birth within 6 weeks (14 weeks for multiple pregnancies) are granted paid prenatal leave. After giving a birth, they are granted 8-week paid postpartum leave. PhD students whose partner has recently given birth are granted 8-week childbirth paid leave on or after the day of giving birth. Please refer to the Childbirth Accommodation Policy for Students for more details. Students can also consult at the OIST Health Center and Ganjuu Services regarding childbirth.

Childcare and Education

OIST has Child Development Center (CDC) from 2-month old to 6-year old, and School Aged Program (SAP) for 5- to 14-year-old children. CDC is open daily from 8AM to 6PM and SAP is open daily from 1:30PM to 6:30PM during weekdays. The fees vary based on the parents’ income level. There are currently over 100 OIST children attending CDC and SAP. Classes are providing bilingual education in English and Japanese. Those well-trained and qualified teachers support the growth of children, while students can focus on their research.

Childcare Facilities on Campus

The Mother's Rooms are available for OIST faculty staff, students, and their families to use when they need pumping, breastfeeding, needing a short break during pregnancy or after childbirth. Diaper changing stations are also available on campus.

Business Travel Support Program

OIST partially covers the child's transportation or babysitting expenses for those who are parenting and required to travel to an off-campus event such as a conference and symposium to give a lecture or presentation and are not able to attend without accompanying the child or hiring a babysitter.

Family Housing

PhD students with spouses and children can live in an apartment room on the campus that meets the needs of the family. A park next to the apartments are available where children and their parents can interact with other families.