Twenty-Five Young Researchers Awarded the Sixth JSPS PRIZE

On the recommendation of the JSPS PRIZE Selection Committee (chair, Dr. Leo Esaki) held on 25 November 2009, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (president, Prof. Motoyuki Ono) has chosen 25 young researchers, who are expected to become future trailblazers of scientific research in Japan, as the recipients of the FY2009 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-five 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 of the awardees conducted a vigorous investigation of various issues that Buddhism faced in the Edo Period. She was able to draw an animated picture of Buddhist thinkers who were trying to restore Buddhism’s religiosity at that time. In doing so, she reappraised early modern Buddhist thought in Japan, which is taken lightly by researchers as it had faded into a mere skeleton of its past self.

In the area of the natural sciences, one of the awardees applied his own concepts and self-developed techniques to elucidating a long-unclarified molecular mechanism of plant reproduction. He made a breakthrough discovery regarding “pollen tube guidance” that synergid cells located next to egg cells secrete a substance to attract pollen tubes, by which sperm cells are conveyed to egg cells in embryo sacs of the pistil.

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, 1 March 2010 at the Japan Academy (7-32 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo).

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