- 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.
- Applicable Fields
All fields of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.
- 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 2012, 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. |
- 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. |
- 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.
- Award
Each fiscal year, approximately 25 researchers are awarded the PRIZE. Prize money is in the amount of ¥1.1 million.
Among the awardees, up to six will be selected to also receive the Japan Academy Medal.
The award ceremony will be held at the Japan Academy.
- State of FY2012 PRIZE Nominations
Nominations by
institutions |
Nominations by
individuals |
Subtotal |
Candidates from
FY 2011 (note 1) |
Total (note 2) |
| 216 (205) |
28 (23) |
243 (226) |
128 (122) |
371 (348) |
| 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 |
| KANAZAWA, Ichiro |
President and Professor, International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School |
| GO, Michiko |
Professor Emeritus, Nagoya University |
| SATO, Shoich |
Specially Appointed Professor, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University |
| SAKAKI, Hiroyuki |
President, Toyota Technological Institute |
| SUZUKI, Akinori |
Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo |
| NAKANISHI, Shigetada |
Director, Osaka Bioscience Institute |
| NOYORI, Ryoji |
President, RIKEN (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research) |
| HANYU, Sawako |
President, Ochanomizu University |
| MASUMOTO, Tsuyoshi |
President, Research Institute for Electromagnetic Materials |
| MORI, Shigefumi |
Directir and Professor, Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Kyoto University |
| MORIMUNE, Kimio |
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sugiyama Jogakuen |
