Japan Women's University Plans to Establish a "Faculty of Science and Engineering (Tentative)" by April 2029

Japan Women's University (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President: Satoko Shinohara) is planning the establishment of a "Faculty of Science and Engineering (tentative)" in April 2029 and is currently making preparations.

This development involves evolving the traditional "Faculty of Science" into a "Faculty of Science and Engineering" that incorporates engineering fields. Since the establishment of its predecessor, the Department of Home Economics and Science, in 1948, the Faculty of Science has been responsible for cultivating scientific talent for 78 years, building a strong foundation in natural science education and research as the only science faculty among private women's universities in Japan. However, as modern society faces increasingly complex and specialized challenges, there is an urgent need to train female STEM professionals who possess the comprehensive skills—including an engineering perspective—to translate knowledge into social implementation. In response to these demands, the university will evolve its existing faculty into a "Faculty of Science and Engineering," empowering students to create and lead new industrial sectors.

The proposed "Faculty of Science and Engineering" will adopt a structure comprising one department and four specialized majors: "Mathematics and Physics (tentative)," "Information Science and Engineering (tentative)," "Chemistry and Life Science (tentative)," and "Medical and Pharmaceutical Engineering (tentative)," the latter created in response to rising societal demands in health and medical fields. By expanding into these four areas, the university aims to deepen learning in natural sciences—including mathematics, physics, informatics, chemistry, and biology—while cultivating professionals capable of addressing modern challenges through existing knowledge and exploration of uncharted academic domains.

■ Future Outlook
Details regarding the "Faculty of Science and Engineering" and its department will be released via the university's website as they are finalized. Please note that the content described above is at the planning stage and is subject to change, including the name, pending consultations with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

■ Message from Satoko Shinohara, President of Japan Women's University
Modern society faces unpredictable challenges such as large-scale climate change, pandemic concerns, and food supply issues. To address and solve these global-scale challenges, we need a deep understanding of natural science and the wisdom to flexibly analyze reality and create solutions based on that knowledge. Aiming to foster individuals who can lead a sustainable and affluent society, Japan Women's University—which boasts the only science faculty among private women's universities—is planning this new faculty to further strengthen our ability to practically apply our expertise to current real-world challenges.