The 2015 Kyoto Prize awarded to two researchers and a German artist

The Kyoto Prize, which is “an international award to honor those who have contributed significantly to the scientific, cultural, and spiritual betterment of mankind,” is Japan’s highest award presented annually in three categories: Advanced Technology, Basic Sciences, and Arts and Philosophy. The Inamori Foundation that grants the Kyoto Prize has recently announced the winners for this year.

1. Laureate for the Advanced Technology category in the field of Materials Science and Engineering:

Dr. Toyoki Kunitake: (Japan) Chemist, President, Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry, Science and Technology

Dr. Kunitake was honored for his pioneering contributions to the Materials Sciences through his discovery of synthetic bilayer membranes and creation of the field of chemistry based on molecular self-assembly.

2. Laureate for the Basic Sciences category in the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Astronomy and Astrophysics

Dr. Michael Mayor (Switzerland) Astrophysicist, Professor Emeritus, University of Geneva

Dr. Mayor was honored for his outstanding contributions in evolving a new vision of the universe through the discovery of an extrasolar planet.

3. Laureate for the Arts and Philosophy category in the field of Theater, Cinema

John Neumeier, (Germany) Choreographer, Intendant and Artistic Director, The Hamburg Ballet

Dr. Neumeier was honored for developing 20th century ballet to new levels, and because he continues to lead the global dance scene today.

The winners of the 2015 Kyoto Prize will be presented with a diploma, a 20K gold Kyoto Prize medal, and prize money of 50 million yen each. The Kyoto Prize Presentation Ceremony at which the awardees will be given the Prize is to be held in November.        

Congratulations to all the winners!

To know about the last year’s laureates, click here.