【Awards and Commendations】Dr. Rieko Asai - The Kumamoto University Young Female Researcher Award

March 16 2026

Since 2016, Kumamoto University has presented an annual award to female researchers affiliated with (or alumnae of) the university who not only achieve outstanding results in their respective fields but also serve as exemplary role models.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Rieko Asai of IRCMS has received the Kumamoto University Young Female Researcher Award this year.

Dr. Asai earned her Ph.D. in Japan and subsequently conducted research in the United States for nine years. In 2023, she returned to Japan and joined IRCMS as a Junior Principal Investigator. Her research has earned well-deserved recognition, and in 2025, she was selected for the JST FOREST program, highlighting the high expectations for her future contributions to the field.