Acalingo: Women science students’ community, Nagoya University

What is Acalingo?

Acalingo is a community of women students majoring in natural sciences at Nagoya University. The Office for Gender Equality supports various Acalingo activities.

What are the aims of Acalingo?

Women students are still in the minority in natural sciences departments. Acalingo was founded in 2007 to address the needs of women students who wish to make the most of their time as university students. It is a community through which those women students can realize "things they want to try," such as creating a space for networking, and demonstrating the excitement of natural sciences to children. Acalingo also makes it possible for women students to consult with senior women researchers about career development.

What types of activities does Acalingo engage in?

Acalingo has brought a variety of various plans to fruition. Among them, a make-up seminar for job-hunting students, the annual Women Science Students' Encouragement Meeting, and organization of science outreach program for children.
Every month, Acalingo holds a lunch meeting in which members discuss various plans and communicate with each other. Acalingo always welcomes new members!

Who can participate?

Undergraduate and graduate women students majoring in natural sciences at Nagoya University are invited to take part in Acalingo activities. There are various ways to participate, depending on individual interests and availability. Some members plan and run various events while others only participate in lunch meetings or on-site experiments. Acalingo is open to requests and suggestions! If you are interested in joining us or have any questions, please e-mail us at at

acalingo@adm.nagoya-u.ac.jp

★ The acalingo pamphlet has been updated

The acalingo pamphlet has been updated (October 2012)

Introduction to Acalingo activities

The below are examples of Acalingo activities.

Women Science Students’ Encouragement Meeting
One of the aims of holding the Women Science Students' Encouragement Meeting is to provide an opportunity for women students to network. This event is held in December. Women science students from various departments participate and exchange their ideas and aspirations. It is a good opportunity to meet people from other departments.

　

Seminar on Promoting Enrollment of Female High School Students in Natural Sciences and
Nagoya University Science Forum for Young Women Researchers
These two events are similar and each consists of two parts: a poster session and keynote speeches by women scientists. Acalingo made a presentation on why its members had decided to major in natural sciences and what they do in their labs. This presentation was positively received by the audiences.

　

On-site Science Experiments for Children
Acalingo regularly conducts on-site science demonstrations for children in which community members describe the excitement of natural sciences in plain language.

　

Nagoya University Open Campus
During the university Open Campus program, Acalingo runs a consulting corner, where community members answer junior and senior high school students' questions about academic life at Nagoya University.

Seminar on Scientists’ Career Development
Finding a job. Going on to a Ph.D. program. How can one get a clear picture of future opportunities and choices? Acalingo invites natural sciences faculty members to answer students' questions regarding career development. Both women and men students are welcome to participate in this event.