On October 31, 2025, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) was honored to welcome the 2025 Nobel Prize laureates: Prof. SAKAGUCHI Shimon in Physiology or Medicine and Prof. KITAGAWA Susumu in Chemistry.

After exchanging views with the JSPS Officials, the laureates met with President SUGINO Tsuyoshi. They reflected on episodes from their research journeys, describing how their innovative and unconventional ideas initially struggled to gain acceptance because their work did not align with mainstream approaches. However, through sustained dedication and perseverance, they ultimately achieved significant results. For the next generation of researchers, they offered words of encouragement and expressed high expectations.

Professor Kitagawa shared the message, “I expect that young people will approach their research goals with an adventurous spirit,” while Professor Sakaguchi remarked, “I suggest that they recognize that it always takes time for ideas to come to fruition, and I urge them to move forward with a courageous mindset.” They conveyed their warm and inspiring words to the younger generation of researchers pursuing their work with resilience.

Amid a warm and friendly atmosphere, it was a meaningful moment that reflected both the laureates' passion for research and their empowerment of the next generation. JSPS will continue to support academic research and nurture young researchers through ongoing dialogue with pioneering researchers.

A recording of the laureates' discussion with President Sugino is available on the official JSPS YouTube channel.