Twenty-Four Young Researchers Awarded the Eighth JSPS PRIZE

On the recommendation of the JSPS PRIZE Selection Committee (chair, Dr. Leo Esaki) held on 25 November 2011, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (president, Prof.Yuichiro Anzai) has chosen 24 young researchers, who are expected to become future trailblazers of scientific research in Japan, as the recipients of the FY2011 JSPS PRIZE.

1. About the JSPS PRIZE

The JSPS PRIZE is meant to recognize at an early stage in their careers young researchers with fresh ideas who have the potential to become world leaders in their fields, while helping to enhance their opportunities to advance their research and make breakthroughs.

PRIZE recipients are chosen by a selection committee, chaired by Dr. Leo Esaki and comprising such world-leading researchers as Dr. Ryoji Noyori.

2. About the PRIZE Recipients

Twenty-four researchers were selected for this year's PRIZE. Their fields of research run the spectrum from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences.

The work of these young researchers is both highly appealing and impactful, as epitomized by the following two cases in the humanities and natural sciences.

In the area of the humanities and social sciences, one researcher was selected who elucidated the transportation system revolving around castle towns in ancient Japan by analyzing narrow wood strips (mokkan) inscribing official messages and using them as a source of historical investigation.

In the area of the natural sciences, one researcher was chosen who advanced research that contributes to understanding aging phenomena, such as hair graying and balding, by identifying the melanocyte stem cells that regulate skin and hair color in mice and elucidating the molecular mechanisms maintaining those cells.

3. About the PRIZE Ceremony

A ceremony in which both the JSPS PRIZE and the Japan Academy Medal will be awarded is scheduled to be held on Monday, 27 February 2012 at the Japan Academy (7-32 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo).

Page_top