The OM Award for Encouraging Female Researchers is intended to encourage new attempts by female researchers to develop zoology, and is presented in particular to "outstanding female researchers who find it difficult to continue research in a stable position, but who have a strong will and high ambitions and are eager to work on research." There were 7 applicants. Based on the purpose of the OM Award, we deliberated in detail on the applicants' research content, attitude toward research, research environment, etc., and decided to recommend 2 candidates to the Board of Directors.

Winner's Name, Affiliation, and Title
Eiko Iwakoshi, Part-time Lecturer, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University
targeted research topic
Identification and functional analysis of novel bioactive peptides

Winner's Name, Affiliation, and Title
Mamiko Hirose, Postdoctoral Researcher, International Coral Reef Research Hub Formation Project, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus
targeted research topic
A Study on Gonadogenesis in Cnidarians and the Diversity of Algal Transmission Modes

 All of the applicants' research content was excellent. Among them, member Eiko Iwakoshi is a part-time lecturer and member Ayamiko Hirose is a postdoctoral researcher. Although both face difficult circumstances in continuing their research in stable positions, they have continued their research without losing their passion and have achieved outstanding results. In particular, these two individuals were highly evaluated in all aspects that should be emphasized given the nature of the OM Award: independence as researchers, the presence or absence of various obstacles in conducting research along with their research attitude, and their future potential.