The OM Award for Encouraging Female Researchers is presented to "female researchers who are members of the Society and are seeking to advance outstanding research, particularly those who find it difficult to continue their research in a stable position, but who have a strong will and high aspirations and are motivated to engage in research." In order to fulfill the purpose of the OM Award, the application form format was changed starting with this call for applications. This made it possible to understand the applicants' attitudes toward research as well as their research environments, and based on that information, we established an environment for conducting evaluations in line with the purpose of the award. As a result, Tomoko Yoshikawa and Ai Fujita were unanimously recommended this time. Both members have experienced studying abroad, moving laboratories, and childbirth and childcare, but have continued their research without losing their passion during those times, and have achieved outstanding results.

2009 Encouraging Award for Female Researchers, Zoological Society of Japan (OM Award)
Ai Fujita (Insect Science Area, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences)
Evolution of cellulase-producing sites and changes in symbiotic microorganisms in termites

Tomoko Yoshikawa (Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Chronomedicine)
Elucidation of the physiological role of the circadian clock present in the ovary