Last year, JSPS received an endowment from Emperor Akihito on the 20^th year of his reign. Amidst a severe economic environment in Japanese society, His Majesty’s desire was to encourage and support young scientists who are working diligently to advance their studies and research.

In deference to his wishes, JSPS has established the Ikushi Prize program, which was placed into operation this fiscal year. It functions to officially recognize outstanding doctoral students who can be expected to contribute to Japan’s future scientific advancement, while seeking to fan their enthusiasm for educational and research pursuits.

Eligible for this Prize are doctoral students who have an excellent academic record and a rich sense of humanity and who are self-motivated in their studies and research activities. They may major in any field of the humanities, social sciences or natural sciences. Such students are nominated to JSPS by the heads of Japanese universities and academic institutions.

Awardees are chosen through a process of document and panel reviews, with the final decisions made by a selection committee established within JSPS. This year’s approximately 16 awardees are scheduled to be announced early next year. They will receive a certificate, a medal and a scholarship grant of ¥1.1 million. For those awardees who wish one, they are also given a JSPS Research Fellowship for Young Scientists, to begin from the following fiscal year.

- Research Fellowship Division