Kyoto Prize Symposium

2023 Laureate

Ryuzo Yanagimachi, D.Sc.

Advanced Technology

March 13

In Advanced Technology, the 2023 Kyoto Prize laureate is reproductive biologist Ryuzo Yanagimachi, D.Sc., professor emeritus, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, who has made revolutionary contributions to both obstetric medicine and mammalian embryology through his research and development of assisted reproductive technologies. In particular, Prof. Yanagimachi’s work has led to practical methods of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) at a time of declining birthrates in many nations — offering new possibilities to couples who would otherwise be unable to have children. A recipient of over two dozen awards, Prof. Yanagimachi received the Pioneer Award for Embryo Transfer and Reproduction Research (2000 & 2012), and was inducted to the National Academy of Sciences in 2001.

2022 Laureate

Carver Mead, Ph.D.

Advanced Technology

March 15

Carver Mead, Ph.D. is the Gordon and Betty Moore Professor of Engineering and Applied Science, Emeritus, at California Institute of Technology. Mead’s pioneering contributions to the field of electronics include proposing and promoting a new methodology to divide the design process of very large-scale integration (VLSI) systems into logic, circuit, and layout designs, and separating them from the manufacturing process. He also contributed greatly to the advancement of computer-aided design technology, paving the way to VLSI design automation and facilitating the revolutionary development of today’s VLSI-based electronics and industry.

Professor Carver Mead will be introduced by Professor Andrew B. Kahng, Endowed Chair in High-Performance Computing, UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering

2021 Laureate

Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, Ph.D

Advanced Technology

April 5

Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, Ph.D. is the Dean of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences at Tsinghua University. Dr. Yao created new trends in computer science and made a great contribution to cutting-edge research in diverse areas, including security, secure computing, and quantum computation, by establishing innovative fundamental theories for computation and communication. His achievements continue to influence current real-world challenges in such areas as security, secure computing, and big data processing.

Professor Andrew Chi-Chih Yao is introduced by Professor Russell Impagliazzo, Professor of Computer Science

2019 Laureate

Ching W. Tang, Ph.D

Advanced Technology

March 25 at 2 p.m.

In “Advanced Technology,” Ching W. Tang, Ph.D is renowned for his pioneering work in developing organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and their widespread application in displays, televisions and lighting. Tang studied light emission processes in electrically driven organic materials and invented a new device structure in which two carefully selected materials were stacked, allowing for high-efficiency light emission at low drive voltages. A chemist and professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Professor Emeritus at the University of Rochester, Tang is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and has received a multitude of awards and honors, including: Wolf Prize in Chemistry, IEEE Noble Award for Emerging Technologies and the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Dr. Tang is introduced by Dr. Darren J. Lipomi, Professor, Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego.

2023 Laureate

Elliott H. Lieb, Ph.D.

Basic Sciences

March 13

In Basic Sciences, the 2023 Kyoto Prize laureate is mathematician and physicist Elliott Lieb, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics and Higgins Professor of Physics Emeritus, Princeton University. Prof. Lieb established a foundation for mathematical research in fields such as physics, chemistry, and quantum information science using many-body physics, while making significant contributions to mathematical analysis as well. Among many other applications, his research supports next-generation technologies in quantum computing which will harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for today’s computers. Lieb is a recipient of many global prizes including his 1992 Max Planck Medal of the German Physical Society and his 2022 APS Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research.

2022 Laureate

Bryan T. Grenfell, Ph.D.

Basic Sciences

March 15

Bryan T. Grenfell, Ph.D. is the Kathryn Briger and Sarah Fenton Professor of Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Public Affairs at Princeton University. Grenfell proposed phylodynamics as a methodology to predict the infectious disease dynamics of RNA viruses by considering viral evolution, thus contributing to the development of research fields that integrate immune dynamics, epidemiology, and evolutionary biology. These achievements have been instrumental in understanding infection mechanisms and proposing effective infectious disease control policies.

Professor Bryan T. Grenfell will be introduced by Professor Justin Meyer, Associate Professor, UCSD Department of Ecology, Behavior & Evolution

2021 Laureate

Robert G. Roeder, Ph.D

Basic Sciences

April 4

Robert G. Roeder, Ph.D. is the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at The Rockefeller University. Dr. Roeder has revealed the principle of the regulatory mechanism of gene transcription in eukaryotes through more than 50 years of research, by identifying the functions of a series of factors — including three distinct RNA polymerases, basic transcription factors, one of the first gene-specific factors, and regulators in transcription from chromatin. Through his achievements, he has made significant contributions to the development of the life sciences.

Professor Robert G. Roeder is introduced by Professor James T. Kadonaga, Amylin Endowed Chair in Lifesciences Education and Research & Distinguished Professor

2019 Laureate

James E. Gunn Ph.D

Basic Sciences

March 25 at 4 p.m.

In “Basic Sciences,” James E. Gunn. Ph.D. is Emeritus Eugene Higgins Professor of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University. He led the pioneering Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) from its hardware design phase, beginning in 1992. SDSS, which has produced a three-dimensional digital cosmic map encompassing a broad region, is regarded among the most ambitious and influential surveys in the history of astronomy. Gunn played a vital role in the project, including planning, instrument development and data analysis, and contributed to the elucidation of the evolutionary history of the universe. He also published many pioneering astrophysical theories. A key contributor to scientific understanding of the universe, Gunn is a member of the National Academy of Sciences. He has received honors including the Crafoord Prize in Astronomy, the Gruber Prize in Cosmology and the National Medal of Science.

Professor Gunn is introduced by Alison Coil, Ph.D., Professor of Physics and Ingrid and Joseph W. Hibben Chair, Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences.

2023 Laureate

Nalini Malani

Arts and Philosophy

March 14

In Arts and Philosophy, the 2023 Kyoto Prize laureate is Nalini Malani, an international artist specializing in a broad range of visual genres including video, projection, painting and drawing installations. Her childhood experience as a refugee during the partition of India and Pakistan gives her art unique power to elevate the oppressed and express the voices of the voiceless, contributing to a decentralization of art. Her works have been shown worldwide, most recently in a solo exhibition that concluded June 11, 2023 at The National Gallery, London. Malani received an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute (2010) and was the first non-Western artist to receive the presigious Joan Miró Prize (2019).

2022 Laureate

Zakir Hussain

Arts and Philosophy

March 17

Zakir Hussain is a Grammy award-winning tabla musician who has opened new possibilities beyond the framework of traditional Indian music in collaboration with artists of other diverse genres worldwide. Hussain’s performance innovations include a unique method of creating melodies on the tabla, originally regarded as a rhythmic instrument of accompaniment. In the process, he has expanded the tabla’s possibilities and established it as one of the most expressive percussion instruments in the world. With his superb technique, engaging performances, and rich creativity, he has made a tremendous impact on world music audiences and performers alike.

Mr. Zakir Hussain will be introduced by Professor Kartik Seshadri, World renowned sitarist, and distinguished composer and educator in Indian Classical Music

2021 Laureate

Bruno Latour, Ph.D

Arts and Philosophy

April 6

Bruno Latour, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus at the Paris Institute of Political Studies. Dr. Latour has revolutionized the conventional view of science by treating nature, humans, laboratory equipment, and other entities as equal actors, and describing technoscience as the hybrid network of these actors. In re-examining “modernity” based on the dualism of nature and society, Dr. Latour’s philosophy has become influential across disciplines, involving multifaceted activities including proposals relating to global environmental issues.

Professor Bruno Latour is introduced by Professor John H. Evans, Tata Chancellor’s Chair of Social Sciences & Co-Director of the Institute for Practical Ethics

2019 Laureate

Ariane Mnouchkine

Arts and Philosophy

March 24 at 3:30 p.m.

In “Arts and Philosophy,” Mrs. Ariane Mnouchkine is a founder and director of the Théâtre du Soleil in Paris. A preeminent European director, she has produced masterpieces with historical and political themes tied to both the East and the West. Her five decades of theatre creation embody the ideal of “public theater.” Théâtre du Soleil often uses physicality - inspired by Japanese Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku; Indian Kathakali; and Western works such as Shakespeare. Her unique theatrical organization eschews hierarchical order. She holds honorary doctorates from the University of Oxford and Roma III – and was awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in 2007 by the Venice Biennale.

Mrs. Mnouchkine is introduced by Professor Allan Havis, Former Chair, Theatre & Dance Department, University of California San Diego.