In addition to selecting and awarding the Japan Prize, the Japan Prize Foundation is engaged in projects designed to contribute to the development of science, technology, and society, including the offering of research grants for the training of young scientists, and our “Easy-to-understand Science and Technology Seminars” aimed at the children who will lead the coming generations.
The creation of the Japan Prize was motivated by the Japanese government’s desire to “contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide by establishing a prestigious international award.” The Japan Prize was established in 1983 with a cabinet endorsement and is supported by numerous private donations.
The award honors scientists and researchers from around the world, recognizing individuals who have contributed significantly to the peace and prosperity of humankind through original and outstanding achievements that have greatly advanced the progress of science and technology.
Researchers working in all fields of science and technology are eligible to receive the Japan Prize. Each year, it is awarded for achievements in two fields, which are selected by considering recent developments in science and technology. As a general rule, one award is given for each field and each laureate receives a certificate of merit, a prize medal, and prize of 100 million yen.
The Presentation Ceremony is held annually in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan and is also attended by the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the House of Councillors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, numerous government ministers, and eminent figures from various other areas.
The Heisei Memorial Research Grant Program is named after Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita, who have been interested in the research activities of young scientists and have encouraged them for many years.
The Foundation primarily provides research grants to scientists under 45 years of age. The Foundation annually selects four to eight scientists engaged in research that transcends the boundaries between different fields and disciplines and contributes to solving social issues. They are then provided with grants worth five to ten million yen.
The Heisei Memorial Research Grant was established as a means of expressing our profound appreciation to their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita for their great generosity in granting this award.
(Applicants must belong to a research organization in Japan to be eligible for a grant.)
The Foundation holds various seminars for students and other members of the public. These seminars are conducted by experts who use plain language to explain the advanced technologies commonly used in everyday life.
More than 300 seminars have been held since the program was launched in March 1989.
