Development of Science and Technology Supported by Diversity: “Rikochallenge—Summer of 2024—” and “King Skyfront Summer Science Event”
Here, we introduce two next-generation educational support activities held this summer by Shimadzu.
On August 2, “Analysis Experience School and Shimadzu Tour, Rikochallenge—Summer of 2024—” was held for high school students, at the Sanjo Works, Shimadzu Head Office. On August 7, “King Skyfront Summer Science Event 2024” was held for elementary school students, at Shimadzu Tokyo Innovation Plaza (Tonomachi Branch, hereinafter Shimadzu TIP), our research and development center in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Analysis Experience School and Shimadzu Tour, Rikochallenge—Summer of 2024—
The ratio of male to female researchers specializing in engineering is approximately 9 to 1, meaning that females are extremely few. Primary factors with an impact on the inroads of women in the sciences include the existence of role models, their guardians’ interests in science, and science-related experiences including crafts and science experiments.
As countermeasures for these issues, the Gender Equality Bureau of the Japanese Cabinet Office, holds “Rikochallenge*”, stimulating interest by female students in science and technology-related fields, and providing support for career selection. Shimadzu has also participated in this initiative since 2017.
- *1: Riko means science and technology in Japanese.
Program on the Day
Introduction to Shimadzu and the Instructors
The instructors were employees with a variety of careers in science (engineering).
Sales employees used the power of words to draw the participants into the world of science.
Analytical Instruments: Experiments Analyzing Caffeine in Beverages
The amount of caffeine in commercial beverages was measured with a high-performance liquid chromatograph. The instructor illustrated analysis methods efficiently.
Participants got a feel for the basic principles of separation analysis in an experiment in which the ink from a felt-tip pen was split into various colors. Participants were closely observing what the instructors were doing.
Materials Testing Machines: Experiencing Everything from Measuring the Hardness of Cookie to Getting an Introduction to Materials Mechanics
The participants tried eating the cookies to be measured, and guessed the hardness (how easy it was to fold over the cookie). A comparison with the measurement results was made.
In tests where metal rods were stretched, the instructor shouted, “It’s going to break!” after which a loud thud rang out.
Medical Systems: Showroom Tour and Experience Running a Fluoroscopy System
Observing X-ray systems. Participants put on aprons to protect against X-rays, turned on a mobile X-ray system, and moved it around.
They experienced what it is like for a patient to lie down on the examination table in a fluoroscopy system.
Note: The instrument was operated by the instructor. X-rays were not actually emitted.
Showroom and Office Tours, and Reflecting on the Day
In the showroom, participants observed the optical brain-function imaging instrument, and on the office tour, they also toured the employee break area.
In the discussions after the hands-on experience, participants shared their impressions and opinions. They said that they enjoyed studying fields that they had previously not been interested in, and that it widened their field of view.
Comment from the Person in Charge
This was the fifth year that Shimadzu has supported a “Rikochallenge” from the perspective of our corporate goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A variety of engineers able to give the high school students a glimpse of their future took part as instructors, providing the participants with a chance to experience what it is like to work at Shimadzu. The momentary expressions on the faces of all the high school students as they learned new things were impressive. I hope that in some small way, this event supports the selection of a career in a science and technology field, and contributes to promoting diversity in scientific and engineering fields.
King Skyfront Summer Science Event 2024
This event was held by Kawasaki City in collaboration with the businesses and research institutions at King Skyfront, an international strategic center where Shimadzu TIP is located. The event was held to promote the region to the broader public as a center of international cutting-edge research and development, and to provide participants with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with science and technology.
Shimadzu TIP is a research and development center promoting the development of cutting-edge analytical methods and collaborative research. It does this together with customers from both Japan and overseas by leveraging its proximity to Haneda Airport. As the offices are centralized, the employees got together easily and prepared for the event in an environment that allows for close collaboration.
The staff of instructors, who are experts on analytical instruments, put together a program by thinking about what the kids might be interested in, and how to convey this to them in a fun way. To prevent accidents and malfunctions, stickers depicting sea life were affixed to the glass walls in the venue, an activity that also served as a safety measure. On the day, more than 130 children and their guardians participated in four programs.
Event staff at the Tonomachi Branch represented a variety of ages and careers
Office area at Shimadzu TIP where it is easy for staff to see each other
Program on the Day
Creating Summer Art Using the Power of Science! (Cardboard Chromatograph)
Blank paper in the shape of sea animals was colored using the principles of a cardboard chromatograph. The summer art was completed by sticking these to a fan. Science is beautiful!
Investigating the Secrets of CD-Rs!（Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM)）
How are video data stored on these sparkling round disks? Look, touch, and check it out using a special microscope!
What’s Inside? Let’s Look through It!（Microfocus X-Ray CT System）
What’s in the box? Let’s check it out by shaking it, listening to it, and feeling how heavy it is. When we look at the contents of the box using an X-ray CT... Stickers in the shape of sea animals stuck to glass walls!
Treasure Appraisers! Is this Treasure Real?（Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (EDX)）
A treasure that glitters like gold. Is this treasure real? Or is it fake? Let’s check it out with an analytical instrument that uses X-rays.
Comment from the Person in Charge
Tonomachi King Skyfront, which was just opened in January 2023, is an open innovation area. A variety of businesses and research institutions are gathered here, and diverse human resources gather and conduct research, without regard to differences of age, gender, or nationality. In addition, exchanges between researchers and collaborative research activities are actively promoted. I hope that the local children utilize this rich environment and atmosphere to the utmost and that this region will serve as the foundation for future development of science and technology.
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