3rd Annual Flagship Event

Saturday, November 8th, 2025

Institute of Science Tokyo, Ookayama Campus and Online

Keynote Speaker

Mari Ono

Partner, IBM Japan

Mari Ono is a Partner at IBM with extensive experience in business strategy, digital transformation, and leading large-scale international programs. She holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tokyo, dual MBAs from the Vienna University of Economics and Business (Austria) and the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota (USA), and advanced executive education from the University of Cambridge focused on Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies.

Mari's expertise spans strategic planning, change leadership, operational integration, and technology enablement. She has successfully led multi-national digital transformation initiatives, driving enterprise modernization and operational excellence for complex, large-scale organizations. Her career has taken her across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, where she has developed deep cultural awareness, led diverse teams, and built strong mediation and collaboration skills to deliver results in global environments.

In addition to her professional achievements, Mari is dedicated to bridging the gap between science and business. She is strongly committed to advancing sustainability and supporting the next generation of female leaders in STEM, who are redefining leadership in today's dynamic and interconnected world.

This keynote will explore how women in science hold the strength to drive the transformations society urgently needs. Drawing on her own journey from engineering to leadership in business, Mari will share how science can be applied beyond the lab to shape business, communities, and the future. She will highlight how women can claim greater agency and ownership in their careers and lives, with the unique power they bring as scientists, innovators, and leaders.

Schedule

12:30

Doors open

13:00 - 13:10

Welcome Address from WISJ

13:10 - 14:10

Keynote Speech from Mari Ono

14:10 - 14:20

Break and Group Photo

14:20 - 15:05

Roundtable Discussion Part 1

15:05 - 15:15

Break

15:15 - 15:55

Roundtable Discussion Part 2

15:55 - 16:05

Roundtable Wrap-Up and Farewell to Online Participants

16:05 - 16:55

Networking session (in person only)

16:55 - 17:00

Closing Remarks

Venue - Institute of Science Tokyo, Ookayama Campus

 

Address

Midorigaoka Building 6 Room 101, 1-chōme-9-5 Midorigaoka, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0034

〒152-0034 東京都目黒区緑が丘1丁目9番5号 緑が丘6号館101号室

From Shibuya Station:

  • Take the Toyoko Line towards Jiyugaoka

  • At Jiyugaoka Station, transfer to the Oimachi Line towards Oimachi.

  • Ride one stop to Midorigaoka Station. The Venue is a five-minute walk from the station.

Register Today

Roundtable Discussion

Beyond the Lab: From Science to Strategy

Step outside the lab and discover how strategic thinking can help you shape your own path in science.
In small, facilitator-led roundtable discussions, participants will engage in thought-provoking conversations, exchange diverse perspectives, and gain fresh insights to support their professional growth. Whether you work in academia, a startup, or a large organization — and whether you join us in person or online — this interactive session offers a supportive space to reflect, connect, and take your next strategic step in STEM.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The keynote speech will be presented in English. There will be a bilingual table during the roundtable discussion activity where Japanese language participation is encouraged.

    基調講演は英語で行われます。円卓討論会ではバイリンガルテーブルを設け、日本語での参加を推奨します。

  • The keynote speech from Mari Ono will be streamed online. There will also be an online “table” for the roundtable discussion activity. The structured networking session is in-person only.

  • Ideally you can join us for the full half-day event. However, if you need to arrive late or leave early, either send us a message in advance or let one of our volunteers know when you arrive.

  • If you originally RSVP’d to attend in person and can no longer make it, please update your RSVP on Luma. Since in-person attendance is limited, we want to open up your spot to someone else who can attend.

  • Yes! The event is free for everyone to attend thanks to our generous sponsors, donors, and partners.

  • Yes! This event is open to the public. If you’d like to become a member, find a volunteer at the event and we’ll tell you how.

  • You’re welcome to attend whether or not you consider yourself a “scientist.” WISJ members come from a wide range of STEM disciplines including biology, physics, mathematics, computer science, earth sciences, artificial intelligence, economics, and other social sciences. In other words, if the event sounds relevant to you, we’d love for you to attend!

  • Yes. Women in Science Japan is open to women, gender minority persons, and allies of any gender that believe in our mission. Allies play a key role in building more gender-equitable institutions.

    We have zero tolerance for disrespectful behavior of any kind. If you find it difficult to engage in conversations about gender equality respectfully, this event is probably not for you regardless of gender.

Sponsors & Partners

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued sponsors for their support. Your generosity empowers women and fuels our mission for a brighter, more inclusive future.