Young Female Researcher Conference 2026 (YFRC 2026)
Pre-Conference
Workshops
Are You a Driver or Passenger?
Public Speaking & Storytelling Workshop​​
By Michel Sera​
​
​
Date: February 25, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Online (Zoom)​
Spots: Limited to 15 participants
​
Presenting is not only about sharing information. It is about leadership, clarity, and owning your voice. In this interactive pre-conference workshop, Michael Sera explores what it means to stay in the “driver’s seat” of your academic and professional journey.
Drawing from his decades of experience bridging Japan and Silicon Valley, Michael will share practical strategies for confident public speaking, storytelling structure, and professional presence.
​
This workshop is free of charge and supported by the Young Female Researcher Conference 2026.
​
Networking in Japan for International Students
From First Contact to Real Follow-ups​​
By Emi Kitawaki​
​
​
Date: February 26, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Online (Zoom)​
Spots: Limited to 15 participants
​
Networking in Japan often follows unspoken rules that international students are expected to “just know.” This interactive workshop equips international students and early-career researchers with practical, Japan-specific networking skills, focusing not only on first introductions, but on follow-ups that lead to real academic and professional opportunities.​
​
Participants will design their own professional business card, practice introductions and follow-up messages, and learn how to navigate common networking situations in Japan with confidence. Business cards will be printed and provided on the conference day, allowing participants to immediately apply what they learn in real settings.
This free pre-conference workshop is limited to 15 participants due to business card printing. Priority is given to conference presenters. Selected participants will receive their printed cards on March 7 at the conference.
​
Academic Presentation and Poster Creation
In collaboration with the JICUF Undergraduate Research Day
​
Date: February 05, 2026
Time: 6:15 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: International Christian University (HYBRID)​​​