Press Room
Japan Prize Foundation Fact Sheet
Foundation
*November 1, 1982 - Formed as The Japan Prize Preparatory Foundation with the goal of establishing the Japan Prize.
*May 5, 1983 - Renamed The Science and Technology Foundation of Japan with an added objective of raising public awareness and interest in the fields of science and technology.
*October 1, 2010 - Authorized as a “Public Interest Incorporated Foundation” by the Cabinet Office, and renamed The Japan Prize
Foundation.
President
Dr. Masao Ito
Senior Advisor, RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Chairman
Prof. Hiroyuki Yoshikawa Dr. Eng.
Director-General, Center for Research and Development Strategy,
Japan Science and Technology Agency
Location
Akasaka Twin Tower East, 13th Floor
2-17-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Tel: 81-3-5545-0551 Fax: 81-3-5545-0554 URL: www.japanprize.jp
Activities
1) Recognize outstanding achievements in science and technology with the Japan Prize.
2) Encourage the study of science and technology through research grants and promotional activities
3) Promote the diffusion of knowledge and philosophy in science and
technology through various activities including dissemination of
information materials and research papers, and seminars.
4) Other activities to fulfill the objectives of the Foundation
Main Activities of the Foundation
1) The Japan Prize
The Japan Prize Foundation honors those whose original and outstanding achievements in science and technology are recognized as having advanced the frontiers of knowledge and served the cause of peace and prosperity for mankind. A Japan Prize laureate receives a Certificate of Merit and a Prize Medal. A cash prize of 50 million Japanese yen (approx. US $ 650,000) is also awarded in each prize category. The Japan Prize Presentation Ceremony is held every April in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, with leaders from every field of endeavor in attendance.
2) Research Grants
The Foundation provides research grants to scientists and researchers who are under 35 years of age. Every year, the Foundation selects projects in the same field as the Japan Prize and gives one million Japanese yen (approx. US $ 13,000) for a project. Each year, about 20 young scientists receive grants.
3) “Easy-to-understand Science and Technology Seminars”
The Foundation hosts series of seminars on advanced technologies that are being used widely in our everyday lives. The seminars are designed for students and the general public, and experts in the related fields explain in plain language the technologies that are the focus of interest at that time. Over 200 seminars have been held across Japan since the first seminar was held over 20 years ago.
4) Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar (SIYSS)
The Japan Prize Foundation sends two Japanese students to the annual Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar, which is held under the auspices of the Swedish Federation of Young Scientists with the support of the Nobel Foundation. Since the program started in 1987, 46 students from Japan have participated in this event.
(January 2011)