About career:
After graduating from university in China, I obtained my master's and doctoral degrees at Tokyo University. I worked at Osaka University for a year and a half, and at NIMS as a postdoctoral fellow for three years. After I finished the postdoctoral contract period, I wanted a permanent position, but no permanent jobs were available for non-Japanese. So I worked under a limited-time contract. Three years later I now have a permanent position.
About research environment after privatization:
The research environment has improved dramatically. Alongside the improved environment, I now have a greatly increased amount of responsibility. Not being Japanese poses me no trouble in conducting research. If I can become fluent in Japanese, I think I can obtain my own budget and conduct my favorite research, just as Japanese researchers do.
Female Researcher: Jinhua YE
NIMS offers special assistance to female researchers to support them in their careers. Applications for assistance are welcome.
Name: Jinhua YE
Position: Managing Director, Photocatalytic Materials Center
Interview
Research photo
About research:
I am studying photocatalysts, which are materials that dissociate water under the action of light to generate hydrogen and oxygen and to break down harmful organic chemicals. By generating hydrogen, they promise new sources of energy, such as fuel cells. However, they work only under ultraviolet radiation, because the band gap is too large, and ultraviolet radiation is inefficient, equivalent to only about 4% of the energy in visible sunlight. We need to improve their response to visible radiation or fluorescent light. It may be possible to develop a dream material that helps solve the energy problem through the use of the light that we use every day.
I am studying photocatalysts, which are materials that dissociate water under the action of light to generate hydrogen and oxygen and to break down harmful organic chemicals. By generating hydrogen, they promise new sources of energy, such as fuel cells. However, they work only under ultraviolet radiation, because the band gap is too large, and ultraviolet radiation is inefficient, equivalent to only about 4% of the energy in visible sunlight. We need to improve their response to visible radiation or fluorescent light. It may be possible to develop a dream material that helps solve the energy problem through the use of the light that we use every day.
About coexisting of the child care and work:
I was very worried about whether or not to have the baby, because I fell pregnant before I became a full-time staff member. But with the support of my supervisor and everyone around me, I have successfully managed both.
There were no child-care places on offer, so we had to make our own arrangements, such as moving into an apartment near the institute and arranging my business trips when my husband could take care of our child.
I made a friend who took care of my child even at night after I moved to Tsukuba. I really appreciate her support.
Advice to young researchers:
We've removed the barriers to working at NIMS, making it easy for everyone, including working mothers, young people, and non-Japanese, to balance work and personal life.
I was very worried about whether or not to have the baby, because I fell pregnant before I became a full-time staff member. But with the support of my supervisor and everyone around me, I have successfully managed both.
There were no child-care places on offer, so we had to make our own arrangements, such as moving into an apartment near the institute and arranging my business trips when my husband could take care of our child.
I made a friend who took care of my child even at night after I moved to Tsukuba. I really appreciate her support.
Advice to young researchers:
We've removed the barriers to working at NIMS, making it easy for everyone, including working mothers, young people, and non-Japanese, to balance work and personal life.
Gender equality activities in NIMS
- NIMS has established a committee to promote the participation of all staff in identifying and solving the problems faced by female researchers.
- Flexible working systems, such as flextime and a discretionary work system (which will be introduced soon), facilitate the balancing of a career and raising children.
- Maternity leave (paid: 6 weeks before birth and 8 weeks after birth) and parenting leave (unpaid: up to 3 years) are available. Support is also provided for desk work and research during maternity and parenting leave.
- Join us and research at NIMS!
The women at NIMS communicate regularly and exchange information via e-mail, web sites, and lunch gatherings. Come and meet us to talk about how you can both develop your career and raise children, or any other problems you are experiencing.
