Girls Meet STEM to Experience "The Moment Drugs are Born -Girls Meet STEM" - Girls from junior high and high schools take on the challenge of drug discovery
On March 23, 2026, the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) held a hands-on event at the Science Museum (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) for junior high and high school girls to show them the appeal of science education and the pharmaceutical industry. The event was part of the "Girls Meet STEM" program organized by the Shintaro Yamada D&I Foundation and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, with approximately 30 participants selected by lottery from more than 450 applicants.
In addition to lectures on the pharmaceutical industry, participants had the opportunity to assemble molecular models, participate in a workshop on drug discovery, and have roundtable discussions with female researchers to deepen their understanding of a wide range of topics, including AI drug discovery, iPS cells, drug-resistant bacteria, and drug loss.
Learning the World of Drug Discovery with Hands and Brains
In the molecular modeling session, participants were able to experience the importance of "form" in the foundation of drug discovery by assembling the structures of compounds that are the basis of drugs with their own hands. They also created "Drug Discovery Karuta," a card expressing the process of drug discovery and its social significance in their own words. With fresh sensibility, they depicted the long years and high degree of difficulty involved in the process of drug development, and the mission of "saving lives.
Roundtable discussion with female researchers
At the end of the program, senior female employees from JPMA member companies who know the frontlines of research and development participated in a roundtable discussion. Participants asked many questions about why they chose their jobs, how they balance work and private life, and how their university studies are being used in the field, providing an opportunity to think more concretely about science careers.
Toward Developing the Next Generation of Science Talent
JPMA will continue its efforts to expand the base of science-related human resources for the next generation in light of the low ratio of women in science-related fields in Japan compared to OECD member countries. From this summer onward, the member companies plan to develop related events.
