Topics / The 2011 Kyoto Prize

The Presentation Ceremony of the 2011 Kyoto Prize that is given to those who have made significant contributions to the progress of science, the development of civilization, and the enrichment and elevation of the human spirit, was held on 10th November at the Kyoto International Conference Center.

For the category of Advanced Technology, Dr. John Werner Cahn (age 83, U.S.A.) was selected from the field of Materials Science and Engineering. For the category of Basic Sciences, Dr. Rashid Alievich Sunyaev (age 68, Russia, Germany) was selected from the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Astronomy and Astrophysics. For the category of Arts and Philosophy, Tamasaburo Bando V (age 61, Japan) was selected from the field of Theater, Cinema.

Dr. John W. Cahn developed the theory of spinodal decomposition in alloy materials by incorporating the strain energy term into the free energy of the alloy system. It has made it possible to predict the optimal microstructures of alloy materials and to maximize their functions. The theory has led to the establishment of a design guideline for the development of alloy materials and contributed to the progress of both materials science and materials industry.

Dr. Rashid A. Sunyaev has made a far-reaching influence on contemporary observational cosmology through his theoretical studies of acoustic oscillations in the early universe left their imprint on temperature fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background radiation and the scattering of that radiation by hot electrons in the clusters of galaxies. He has also made significant contributions to high-energy astronomy through his theoretical research on the accretion of matter onto high-density celestial objects and the energy release mechanisms involved, as well as his leadership of international observational projects.

Tamasaburo Bando, as a male actor specializing in female roles, has created his own unique world with his performances in Kabuki and established his position as the leading actor of female roles, although not born into a Kabuki family. He is also an internationally active performer in various genres of performing arts and holds countless audiences spellbound with his unsurpassed artistry.

The Kyoto Prize, which is an international prize, is annually presented by the Inamori Foundation (Dr. Kazuo Inamori, President), and consists of the following three categories; Advanced Technology, Basic Sciences, and Arts and Philosophy. The distinctive feature of the Kyoto Prize is not only to evaluate the achievements person including the recipients’ life philosophy.

Diplomas, Kyoto Prize medals and 50 million yen as prize money were given to each laureate by Hiroo Imura, Chairman of the Inamori Foundation in the presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado and other audience (about 1,900) from the political, the official, the financial and the academic worlds. Following this, congratulatory messages from Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan, Dmitry A. Medvedev, President of the Russian Federation, Christian Wulff, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Barack H. Obama, President of the United States of America were introduced. Also, as a performance, Elementary School Children's Choir presented chorus in praise of glory of laureates. The Kyoto Prize Presentation Ceremony was broadcasted live on the Inamori Foundation website this year.

Attendance of former Laureates of the Kyoto Prize
Mr. Tadao Ando (2002 Arts and Philosophy)
Mr. Issey Miyake (2006 Arts and Philosophy)
Dr. Shinya Yamanaka (2010 Advanced Technology)

During the Kyoto Prize Week, various events are scheduled such as the Commemorative Lectures for the public on 11th, Workshops for each category on 12th and Youth Development Programs for elementary and junior high school students, high school students, and young people from 13th to 15th November. The Kyoto Prize Symposium is also held as a part of Youth Development Program jointly hosted by Kyushu University. The Commemorate Lectures will be broadcasted live on the Inamori Foundation website.

Kyoto Prize Press Room: Photographs of the Presentation Ceremony