UGA international

WISE-INCON (Women In Science and Engineering: INternational CONnection) is a strategic research collaboration between Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute Néel, and J-FAST International Research Lab. Launched in 2025 as a laureate of the NTU-UGA-UT Trilateral Centre, this project aims at inspiring young female students to choose careers in science and technology with confidence, free from self-doubt and self-censorship, and reflecting their true potential.

By pooling their expertise in being women working in scientific fields, they are recognizing the persistent gender gap in these fields that threaten an empowering international environment, where young women can explore and embrace scientific and technological careers without hesitation.

Together, they are not just conducting research; they are building the scalable frameworks needed for a stronger, more supportive international community that encourages ambition and breaks down barriers to success.

Tangible Results

WISE-INCON has launched interdisciplinary seminar series conducted in October/November 2025, including one lecture at NTU and three lectures at Tsukuba, complemented by a presentation of international exchange programs at UGA. Additionally, targeted student exchanges and internships were successfully initiated: two French graduate students are going to Tsukuba and Taiwan for summer internships, two Japanese graduate students are undertaking internships at UGA, a Taiwanese doctoral student visited Tsukuba for postdoctoral orientation, and a Taiwanese doctoral student visited UGA to form future collaborations.

The project leaders also organized a roundtable discussion on “WISE-INCON: Impact of International Experiences on Careers,” highlighting the benefits of cross-cultural mentorship and the pivotal role of female professors in guiding young scientists.

Testimonials from principal investigators 

	Through WISE-INCON, I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women scientists across cultures and drew inspiration from this diversity. The trilateral exchange broadened my perspective and connected me with outstanding scholars, opening opportunities for future collaboration. Hsiu-Yu YU Professor, Department and Chemical Engineering (National Taiwan University, Taiwan) Complex Fluids Theory Lab Outstanding Chemical Engineering Article, Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers Excellent Young Scholars Grants, National Science and Technology Council in Taiwan Distinguished Teaching Award, NTU Visit ORCID page
	Through the WISE-CON program, my visits to NTU and TU were highly productive, combining invited talks, lab visits, and extensive exchanges. These interactions strengthened existing collaborations and fostered new partnerships, not only benefiting research but also enhancing my role in leading a master’s program and supporting female student mobility to NTU and UT. Signe SEIDELIN Professor (Université Grenoble Alpes, France) Institut Néel Danish Research Agency Scholarship Carlsberg Research Foundation Scholarship Honorary member of IUF Visit ORCID page
	Through WISE-INCON, I had the chance to meet inspiring researchers and better understand the challenges faced by women scientists in different cultural settings. These exchanges broadened my perspective, strengthened valuable collaborations, and also helped me reflect on how to better support female students, especially in creating international opportunities for them in science. Marceline BONVALOT Adjunct director - J-FAST IRL, Associate Professor (Université Grenoble Alpes, France) LTM-CNRS, CEA-LETI and J-FAST at University of Tsukuba Visit ORCID page