Aya Homei

Aya Homei is a historian of medicine and sciences in modern Japan, specializing in reproduction, population policies, and inter-Asian medical exchanges. She holds the position of Associate Professor (Reader) in Japanese Studies at the University of Manchester. Her research focuses on topics such as Japanese population discourses, family planning initiatives in Asia, and Sino-Japanese medical diplomacy. She has held visiting positions at institutions including Ritsumeikan University (Kyoto), Peking University, and the University of New South Wales. Homei earned her MA and PhD from the University of Manchester and conducted postdoctoral research at the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine there. She is currently involved in projects examining global health diplomacy and the history of involuntary sterilization in Japan.

Education:

• PhD in History of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Manchester
• MA in History of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Manchester

Research Interests: Homei's work explores the intersection of science, policy, and society in modern Japan. Key areas include:

• Population policies and their scientific foundations
• Japanese family planning programs in Southeast Asia
• Sino-Japanese medical cooperation
• History of sterilization practices

Awards: Recipient of the 2023 SPRINT University of Manchester/FAPESP Joint Research Scheme fellowship. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being (SDG 3) and sustainable cities (SDG 11).