Dear Members of the Zoological Society of Japan

At the Board of Directors meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan held on Friday, June 12, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM, two award candidates were recommended by the OM Prize Selection Committee.
As a result of deliberation, the Board of Directors of the Zoological Society of Japan has decided to confer the 2026 OM Award for Encouragement of Female Researchers of the Zoological Society of Japan upon the following two individuals.

Seguchi Akiko
Specially Appointed Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology / JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow (PD)
Research theme: "Breakdown of parental behavior in Silkie fowl and its buffering mechanism: Elucidating the functions of paternal care and cooperative breeding"

OM Award Eiko Seguchi Abstract

Narumi Shioi (Aoki)
Teikyo University, Fukuoka Faculty of Medical Technology, Department of Medical Technology, Clinical Engineering Course, Lecturer (Fixed-term)
Research Topic: Elucidation of the molecular basis of venom production mechanisms through the comparison of venomous and non-venomous snakes

OM Award: Narumi Shioi (Aoki) Abstract

Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Zoological Society of Japan