Tohoku University and Tokyo Electron Collaborate on UPWARDS Summer Camp for Women in Science
Tohoku University and Tokyo Electron recently co-hosted the “UPWARDS 2025 Tokyo Electron Summer Camp for Women” on August 7, 2025. This event was part of a larger initiative aimed at engaging female science students from eleven universities in Japan and the United States under the “UPWARDS for the Future” partnership. The summer camp included 32 participants, consisting of 20 students from Japanese universities involved in UPWARDS, three from the United States, and nine staff members from Tokyo Electron.
Networking and Discussions
Throughout a networking event held during the camp, participants discussed the future of student support and identified disparities within existing systems. Contributions from Tohoku University faculty and students were facilitated through several initiatives, including the Tohoku University Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, the Association of Leading Women Researchers in Engineering, and the School of Engineering’s DEI Promotion Project. The conversations focused on enhancing support for female researchers and students, emphasizing improvements in scholarship availability and housing options.
Specific Needs Addressed
Specific needs were also addressed, including the creation of networking opportunities, the development of mentorship programs, and the provision of childcare resources.
Technological Insights
The afternoon session featured visits to the CIES and μSIC facilities, allowing participants to gain a deeper insight into technological advancements. The UPWARDS for the Future initiative is a collaborative network that includes Micron, the U.S. National Science Foundation, Tokyo Electron, and participating universities.
Collaboration for Future Progress
The aim is to advance semiconductor education and promote research activities, with Tohoku University’s Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the School of Engineering’s DEI Promotion Project playing a critical role in fostering discussions to support female academics in the field.
(Source: Tohoku University News)
