Two researchers received the 2022 Yoshinori Ohsumi Fund for Fundamental Research, financial support from Tokyo Tech for researchers under the age of 40 engaged in fundamental research. A ceremony for awarding the recipients with their letter of selection was held on January 26, 2023.
(Front row from left: Assistant Professor Hidehiro Ito, Honorary Professor Yoshinori Ohsumi, President Kazuya Masu, Assistant Professor Shinichi Nishihaya) (Back row from left: Director of Research Promotion Eiji Tamai, Vice President for Public Engagement Shigeru Hioki, Executive Vice President for Research Osamu Watanabe, Vice President for Research Development Kaoru Kuwata, Professor of Institute of Innovative Research Toru Hisabori) *All affiliations were accurate at the time of the event.
Yoshinori Ohsumi Fund for Fundamental Research is designed to provide research funds for exceptionally talented young researchers engaged in fundamental research that requires a long-term perspective. FY2022 was the fifth year of the grant, during which two researchers were selected from nine applicants.
Assistant Professor Shinichi Nishihaya presenting his research
Assistant Professor Hidehiro Ito presenting his research
Overview of Yoshinori Ohsumi Fund for Fundamental Research
Eligibility
- 1.
- Faculty, specially appointed faculty, and research staff employed by Tokyo Tech who are/were under the age of 40 as of April 1, 2022 and, in principle, will conduct the research on their own.
- 2.
- The research must be fundamental research.
- Research support period in principle, the support period is 1 year from the day research support begins. However, depending on the research plan, it is possible to apply for a 2-year period.
- Amount of support available Up to 2.5 million yen for one research project. However, the amount of support is determined based on review, and may differ depending on the content of the research proposal.
FY2022 Grant Recipients
Name | Affiliation | Title | Research Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
, | Assistant Professor | Quantum spin transport phenomena explored in magnetic Weyl semimetal films and heterointerfaces | |
, | Assistant Professor | Understanding the biological significance of rare earth enzymes |
During the ceremony, President Kazuya Masu explained Tokyo Tech’s support initiatives for fundamental research to the award recipients, and Honorary Professor and 2016 Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine Yoshinori Ohsumi delivered a congratulatory speech. The award recipients, President Masu, screening panel members including Executive Vice President for Research Osamu Watanabe, and Honorary Professor Yoshinori Ohsumi later enjoyed conversation during which they actively exchanged opinions regarding topics such as current research themes of the award recipients. Tokyo Tech will continue to support fundamental research, which is essential for the foundation of Japan.
