- In Recognition and Support of Excellent Young Researchers -
‹Program Outline of 2009›

1. Objective

In order to raise the level of scientific research in Japan to the world's highest standard, it is important to recognize and support young researchers with rich creativity and superlative research ability at an early stage in their careers. To sustain the zeal of such researchers while offering them support in advancing their work, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science established the JSPS PRIZE in FY2004.

2. Applicable Fields

All fields of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

3. Qualifications

They must have published papers or articles in scientific journals and other publications in Japan and/or abroad, and obtained excellent scientific research achievements. As of 1 April 2009, they must be

(1)	Under 45 years of age
(2)	Have obtained a doctorate degree (or possess an equivalent level of scientific research expertise)
(3)	Must have Japanese citizenship, or be a foreign researchers who has conducted research at a Japanese research institution for five years or longer.




4. Nominators




(1)	Presidents of universities and directors of research institutes may nominate candidates for the PRIZE.
(2)	Researchers with a record of superlative achievements may also nominate candidates.




5. Selection Method

Selections are made by the JSPS PRIZE Selection Committee established within JSPS.
In making its selections, the Committee takes into consideration the results of a preliminary review of the nominees conducted by JSPS's Research Center for Science Systems.

6. Award

Each fiscal year, approximately 20 researchers are awarded the PRIZE. Prize money is in the amount of ¥1.1 million.
Among the awardees, up to five will be selected to also receive the Japan Academy Medal.
The award ceremony will be held at the Japan Academy.



7. State of FY2009 PRIZE Nominations

Nominations by institutions	Nominations by individuals	Subtotal	Candidates from FY 2008 (note 1)	Total (note 2)
234 (196)	19 (21)	250 (214)	114 (160)	364 (374)

Note 1:	Nominations are valid for two years. The previous year's nominees, excluding recipients and those now over age 45 as of 1 April, are reviewed along with the new nominees.
Note 2:	Number of nominations, excluding duplications.
Note 3:	The numbers in parentheses are last year's figures, provided for comparison.




List of JSPS PRIZE Selection Committee Members

ESAKI, Leo (Chairman)	President, The Science and Technology Promotion Foundation of Ibaraki / President, Yokohama College of Pharmacy
ISHI, Hiromitsu	President, The Open University of Japan
ISHII, Yoneo	Director General, Japan Center for Asian Historical Records
KANAZAWA, Ichiro	Consultant Medical Doctor for Royal Families / President, Science Council of Japan
GO, Michiko	President, Ochanomizu University
SUZUKI, Akinori	Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
TONOMURA, Akira	Fellow, Hitachi, Ltd.
NAKANISHI, Shigetada	Director, Osaka Bioscience Institute
NOYORI, Ryoji	President, RIKEN (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research)
HONDA, Masuko	Professor Emeritus, Ochanomizu University
MASUMOTO, Tsuyoshi	Professor Emeritus, Tohoku University
MORI, Shigefumi	Professor, Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Kyoto University

Page_top