Background
Here is the story behind the foundation of our network.
The idea took root among faculty members in a particular department, who were raising children alone due to work assignments away from home or had children attending the same nursery school. This shared experience fostered a natural connection among them, leading to the foundation of the network.
Managing time and physical energy to balance childcare with the demands of research and teaching is undoubtedly challenging. Yet, it became clear that faculty members facing similar circumstances could offer each other support and share creative life management ideas. By discussing daily challenges in research and life, we were able to uncover solutions to numerous challenges in the process.
Currently, many members of Nagoya University may find themselves in similar situations. In light of this, we founded the “Researchers’ Community for Child Care Support at Nagoya University” as a place where colleagues could share ideas and find solutions to their problems. Since its inception in August 2013, the network has gradually grown, attracting more members over time through word of mouth.
We share a wide range of topics through emails and lunch meetings. These topics primarily focus on specific challenges of parenting, such as nursery and kindergarten options, care for sick children, and support for household and childcare tasks. Discussions also cover laboratory work and work-life balance issues.
Our goals
Our primary goal in establishing this network was to make sure that Nagoya University faculty and staff, who are navigating the challenge of raising children alone while on assignments, do not have to face these difficulties alone. We are committed to assisting prospective members of our community who may be wondering, “Nagoya University looks promising, but how will I find a nursery school? Can I manage this alone?” By offering information on childcare facilities and sharing essential life tips, we strive to create an environment where they can fully dedicate themselves to education and research endeavors from the moment they join the university.
We aim to offer support to students and early-career researchers worried about balancing research with parenting. By sharing real-life examples of how to manage these roles, our goal is to empower them to confidently care for and nurture their children, who will lead the next generation.
Moving forward, we hope that the initiatives of the “Researchers’ Community for Child Care Support” will extend beyond our university, reaching the broader community as a blueprint for addressing work-life balance challenges, encompassing both childcare and caregiving.
Inquiries
Research laboratory site of person in charge