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[Event Report] The 4th UTokyo IST Women’s Gathering

On May 12, 2026, the 4th “UTokyo IST Women’s Gathering” was hosted by the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology (IST) for female researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students at IST and related departments.

Around 40 participants deepened their connections in a friendly, informal setting while enjoying a standing lunch. Representatives from Fujitsu Ltd., Hobonichi Co., Ltd., and Simplex Holdings, Inc., which support IST’s diversity promotion initiatives, also joined the event, giving participants a chance to discuss not only research and student life but also their future careers.

During the event, Ms. Guangyi Zhu from the Department of Computer Science gave a presentation on her experience attending the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing 2025, supported by IST’s Diversity & Inclusion Promotion Activities. She shared her experiences and insights from the international conference, where women engineers and researchers from around the world gather, offering participants an opportunity to broaden their perspectives on research and career possibilities.

A colorful finger-food lunch

Participants enjoyed conversations in a friendly, informal setting

Conversations naturally developed around research, student life, and careers.

Ms. Guangyi Zhu from the Department of Computer Science reported on her experience attending the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing 2025.

The Graduate School of Information Science and Technology is working to create opportunities like this event, where women researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students can connect, casually discuss research, student life, and careers, and share their experiences.
Participants shared comments such as “It was helpful to consult with senior women students I would not normally have the chance to meet about my future path,” “It was nice to have the opportunity to speak casually with people from companies,” and “It was very meaningful to connect with other women in information science, where women are still underrepresented.” The event provided a valuable opportunity for participants to exchange information that they would not normally gain through their day-to-day student life.

IST’s mascot character, ISTy-kun, also joined the event.

We plan to continue hosting networking events for female students and researchers in the future. Announcements will be posted on the IST website, and we look forward to welcoming many participants.

(This article is supported by AI translation.)