法人別リリース

46th Honda Prize Award Ceremony Held in Honor of Recipient, Dr. Kenichi Iga of Japan

HONDA FOUNDATION — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Dec. 01, 2025 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Honda Foundation
46th Honda Prize Award Ceremony Held in Honor of Recipient, Dr. Kenichi Iga of Japan

- For Pioneering Contributions to Conception and Development of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and Leadership in Its Practical Application -

On November 17, 2025, the Honda Foundation held the 46th Honda Prize Award Ceremony and a commemorative lecture at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. The foundation awarded the prize medal and diploma to this year’s laureate, Dr. Kenichi Iga (honorary professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo, and 18th president of the former Tokyo Institute of Technology), for his pioneering conception and development of the Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL). The foundation is a public interest incorporated foundation established by Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and his younger brother Benjiro.

Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108819/202511269899/_prw_PI1fl_vL9v8tZg.jpg

At the opening of the ceremony, Hiroto Ishida, President of the Honda Foundation, delivered opening remarks: "The surface-emitting laser conceived and promoted by Dr. Iga is now indispensable to people's lives. It supports our society in many areas, including high-speed data communication and facial recognition on smartphones. Dr. Iga’s efforts, from the conception of this new technology to leading its fundamental research, practical application, and subsequent widespread adoption, represent a great achievement that truly embodies the spirit of the Honda Prize."

Following the ceremony, Dr. Iga delivered a commemorative lecture titled "Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL): Born Small and Grown Big -- From Smartphones to Huge Data Centers." In the lecture, Dr. Iga shared episodes from his journey, starting with his boyhood in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan. Raised in a nature-rich environment, he became interested in electricity and electronics after building his own radio. He also reflected on his university days, where he devoted himself to research with the support of a scholarship from "SAKKOKAI," a foundation established in 1961 by Honda founders Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa to support young researchers.

Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108819/202511269899/_prw_PI2fl_sLu6G089.png

About the Honda Prize
In 1980, the Honda Foundation established the Honda Prize to acknowledge research achievements that contribute to "the creation of a truly humane civilization." Foreseeing the new potential of ecotechnology(*), the Honda Prize is Japan’s first international award for scientific and technological achievements across a wide range of academic fields, encompassing the entire research process from discovery and invention to application and widespread usage.

(*) Ecotechnology: Human-friendly philosophy founded on science and technology and designed to harmonize the natural and human environments and find resolutions to social issues, adopting a methodology that implies something more than just "being friendly to the Earth," which is the meaning usually associated with the word "ecology."

- Details of achievement commentaries and past Honda Prize laureates
Please see the Honda Foundation's official website.
Official Website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en/index.html
Achievement Commentary: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/commemoration/index_en/285/year:2025
Honda Prize Laureates: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en/winner.html

Honda Prize 2025 Awarded to Dr. Kenichi Iga of Japan

HONDA FOUNDATION — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Sept. 9, 2025 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Honda Foundation
- For Pioneering Contributions to Conception and Development of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and Leadership in Its Practical Application -

The Honda Foundation has selected Dr. Kenichi Iga (honorary professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo and 18th president of former Tokyo Institute of Technology), as the recipient of the 2025 Honda Prize. The international award in science and technology honors his pioneering work in conceiving the Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and his contributions to advancing fundamental research and practical applications. The foundation is a public interest incorporated foundation established by Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and his younger brother Benjiro.

Image 1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108819/202509034541/_prw_PI1fl_mU6cH3th.jpg

In 1980, the Honda Foundation established the Honda Prize to acknowledge research achievements that contribute to "the creation of a truly humane civilization." Foreseeing the new potential of ecotechnology,*1 the Honda Prize is Japan’s first international award for scientific and technological achievements across a wide range of academic fields, encompassing the entire research process from discovery and invention to application and widespread usage.

In 2025, the 46th Honda Prize will be awarded to Dr. Iga for his conception of VCSEL in 1977 and his pioneering contributions to its development and practical applications. The award ceremony will take place at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, on November 17, 2025. In addition to the prize medal and diploma, Dr. Iga will receive 10 million yen in prize money.

*1 Ecotechnology: Human-friendly philosophy founded on science and technology and designed to harmonize the natural and human environments and find resolutions to social issues, adopting a methodology that implies something more than just "being friendly to the Earth," which is the meaning usually associated with the word "ecology."

Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108819/202509034541/_prw_PI2fl_ru2TeeqC.jpg

What is VCSEL
VCSEL, with a vertical resonator, is more compact than conventional Edge Emitting Laser (EEL), allowing dense integration, stable single-wavelength oscillation, mass production, continuous wavelength tuning and low power consumption. These features drive innovations in optoelectronics, including high-speed data communication, fiber optics, 3D facial recognition, computer mouses and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems for autonomous vehicles.

When Dr. Iga first proposed VCSEL, his concept was met with skepticism from both academia and industry due to concerns about its feasibility. However, through persistent research and continuous advocacy, Dr. Iga and his team gradually established global recognition for this innovative technology. In 1988, his collaborator, Dr. Fumio Koyama, later a professor at former Tokyo Institute of Technology (now the Institute of Science Tokyo), achieved the first room-temperature continuous-wave operation of a VCSEL—a decisive step toward its commercialization. Since the late 1990s, VCSELs have been industrialized worldwide, transforming modern optoelectronics and shaping numerous industries.

- Details of achievement commentaries and past Honda Prize laureates
Please see the Honda Foundation official website.
Official Website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en/index.html
Achievement Commentary: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/commemoration/index_en/285/year:2025
Honda Prize Laureates: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en/winner.html

Dr. James G. Fujimoto of U.S. Awarded 45th Honda Prize for His Team’s Development of ...

HONDA FOUNDATION — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Dec. 9, 2024 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Honda Foundation
Dr. James G. Fujimoto of U.S. Awarded 45th Honda Prize for His Team’s Development of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Real-time Tissue Imaging Technology

- OCT Marks Breakthrough in Disease Detection and Manufacturing -

The Honda Foundation in Tokyo held the 45th Honda Prize Award Ceremony on November 18, 2024, where this year's prize was awarded to Dr. James G. Fujimoto, Elihu Thomson Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA.

Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106338/202412030993/_prw_PI1fl_nIY61dsF.jpg

Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106338/202412030993/_prw_PI2fl_aHrJ96fK.jpg

Hiroto Ishida, President of the Honda Foundation, stated in his opening remarks: "We are honored to present the Honda Prize to Dr. James G. Fujimoto in recognition of his outstanding contributions, which have brought great hope to humanity in the fields of next-generation science, technology, and medicine."

Next, Hirohisa Uchida, Chairperson of the Honda Prize Selection Committee, explained the reasons behind this year's selection. "OCT is a technology that uses coherent light and an interferometer to obtain non-destructive cross-sectional images, and Dr. Fujimoto and his research group were the first to develop this technology and use it to obtain cross-sectional images of the retina and blood vessels. He also commercialized the world's first ophthalmic OCT aiming to promote its widespread use. Today, OCT has found applications not only in ophthalmology and cardiology, but also in the early detection of diabetic and neurological diseases, industrial non-destructive testing equipment, fingerprint authentication devices, and a wide range of basic research and manufacturing applications. Its potential is limitless.

"Soichiro Honda believed in 'making people happy with technology,' and Dr. Fujimoto's achievements embody this philosophy.

"His continuous contributions, from the proposal and development of OCT to its widespread adoption, are aligned perfectly with the Honda Foundation's long-standing commitment to 'ecotechnology,' leading to his selection for the Honda Prize."

Afterward, Dr. Fujimoto was presented with a certificate by President Ishida and a medal by Vice President Kazuko Matsumoto. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "It is a great honor to receive the Honda Prize. The continuation of my research has only been possible thanks to the knowledge and support of my colleagues involved in the research and many supporters. I am delighted that OCT technology has been commercialized and applied clinically, helping many people along the way."

Commemorative Lecture by Dr. James G. Fujimoto
"Optical Coherence Tomography: History, Evolution, and Future Prospects" was the theme of Dr. Fujimoto's commemorative lecture. He discussed events that led him to pursue OCT technology in ophthalmology, beginning with his student research days, and provided a detailed account of the discovery and evolution of OCT technology. He also touched on the future prospect of OCT, highlighting its potential moving forward.

About OCT: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202412030993-O3-ImEDN3gR.pdf

About Honda Foundation: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106338/202412030993/_prw_PI3fl_lWR0kq36.jpg

Honda Foundation's official website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en/

Honda Prize 2024 Awarded to Dr. James G. Fujimoto of U.S.

HONDA FOUNDATION — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Sept. 30, 2024 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Honda Foundation
- For Contributing to Invention and Development of Optical Coherence Tomography -

The Honda Foundation is a public interest incorporated foundation established by Soichiro Honda and his younger brother Benjiro, and is currently led by President Hiroto Ishida. The foundation established the Honda Prize in 1980 as Japan’s first international award that acknowledges achievements contributing to "the creation of a truly humane civilization."

In 2024, the 45th Honda Prize will be awarded to Dr. James G. Fujimoto, Elihu Thomson Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the U.S.A., for his research group’s development of optical coherence tomography (OCT). The prize also acknowledges his contribution to the commercialization and clinical translation of OCT in ophthalmology, cardiology, and biomedical research.

Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106338/202409267062/_prw_PI1fl_1vE8ITa5.jpg

OCT is a new imaging modality which is analogous to ultrasound, except that it measures the echo time delay and magnitude of backscattered light instead of sound. OCT enables real-time, microscopic resolution imaging of a subsurface structure in biological tissues and materials. It has applications in multiple medical specialties as well as fundamental research and manufacturing. OCT can be combined with fiber optic catheters, endoscopes, and laparoscopes to enable imaging inside the body. It enables "optical biopsy," imaging pathology in real time, without the need to remove specimens as in conventional excisional biopsy.

The development of OCT is an example of the power of multidisciplinary collaborative research teams which span fundamental research, engineering, clinical medicine, and industry. In the late 1980s, such a multidisciplinary project was relatively uncommon, and Dr. Fujimoto’s team demonstrated a pioneering approach to joint medical-engineering research.

Dr. Fujimoto’s team first aimed to apply OCT in ophthalmology. OCT was invented by David Huang, an MD, PhD student in Fujimoto’s research group, working in close collaboration with Eric Swanson, an expert on satellite optical communication, and Drs. Carmen Puliafito and Joel Schuman, retina and glaucoma specialists. OCT has become a standard of care in ophthalmology with 20 to 30 million procedures performed worldwide every year. It facilitates early detection of diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, enabling patients to be treated before irreversible loss of vision occurs.

Intravascular OCT was pioneered by visiting scientist Mark Brezinski, an MD, PhD cardiologist. Startup companies led by Swanson combined with industry investment played a key role in commercializing OCT in ophthalmology as well as cardiology. Today there is an international research community with over 100 academic research groups and companies developing OCT technology and clinical applications.

Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106338/202409267062/_prw_PI2fl_2xyDX5ml.jpg

OCT can be used to guide disease treatment, improving outcomes and saving health care costs. In the future, OCT of the eye may be used in optometrists’ shops, drug stores, and primary care doctors’ offices to screen for diabetes, neurological and other systemic diseases. In the field of cardiology, intravascular OCT is emerging as a valuable technique for guiding treatment of myocardial infarction. Clinical studies have shown intravascular OCT treatment guidance can reduce rates of major adverse cardiac events.

Over the years, the Honda Foundation has been promoting "ecotechnology*" as its mission. Dr. Fujimoto, who led the OCT research team, is the only researcher who consistently contributed to the development and the dissemination of OCT is fully in accord with the mission and worthy of the highest recognition. Therefore, the 45th Honda Prize will be awarded to Dr. Fujimoto.

An award ceremony will be held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, on November 18, 2024. In addition to a prize medal and a diploma, the laureate will be awarded 10 million yen.
*Ecotechnology: Human-friendly philosophy founded on science and technology. It is designed to harmonize the natural and human environments, and find resolutions to social issues, adopting a methodology that implies something more than just "being friendly to the Earth," which is the meaning usually associated with the word "ecology."

For more information, please visit: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202409267062-O1-zZ1Tz5H4.pdf

Official website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en/

Dr. Masato Sagawa of Japan and Dr. John J. Croat of U.S. Honored at 44th Honda Prize Award Ceremony

HONDA FOUNDATION — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Dec. 4, 2023 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Honda Foundation
- For Invention: Neodymium Magnet, World's Strongest Permanent Magnet, Enabling Significant IT Advancements for Society -

The Honda Foundation in Tokyo held the 44th Honda Prize Award Ceremony on November 16, 2023, where it awarded this year's prize to Dr. Masato Sagawa of Japan (advisor to Daido Steel and president of NDFEB Corporation) and Dr. John J. Croat of the United States (former president of John Croat Consulting, Inc.).

Dr. Masato Sagawa and Dr. John J. Croat: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106338/202311283430/_prw_PI1fl_T7QT6Zn2.jpg

Awardees deliver commemorative lectures: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106338/202311283430/_prw_PI2fl_lhPoOqCk.jpg

Honda Foundation President Hiroto Ishida commented, "Utilized in a wide range of fields that include electronics, industrial machinery, and automobiles, permanent magnets are essential in modern society as a basic material. Dr. Sagawa and Dr. Croat's independent magnet research has facilitated IT advancements for society by enabling significantly lighter motors, smaller hard drives, and more. Neodymium magnets, which make up 95% of the permanent magnet market, are advancing energy-saving technologies to reduce CO2 emissions. As demand for neodymium magnets rises in the effort to achieve a carbon-neutral society, we are pleased to award the Honda Prize to these two distinguished scientists."

Honda Prize Selection Committee Chairman Hirohisa Uchida said, "Dr. Sagawa and Dr. Croat's invention of the Nd-Fe-B permanent magnet, an unprecedented super-strong magnet, has impacted various industries. Neodymium magnets, with their powerful magnetic force, have driven significant IT advancements, contributing to energy conservations, reduction of fossil fuel reliance, and the journey toward a carbon-neutral society. Global demand is rising as electrification and motor efficiency improvements fuel development of energy-saving technologies to curb CO2 emissions. This reflects the global commitment to policies aligned with the SDGs. As Soichiro Honda said, the basic principle of eco-technology aims to 'make people happy through technology.' In view of the invention's alignment with the Honda Foundation's policy of prioritizing eco-technology and recognizing achievements worthy of the Honda Prize, we are pleased to present them with this award."

Upon the presentation of the awards and medals to both doctors, Dr. Croat stated, "It is a great honor to receive the Honda Prize, and I am grateful to be able to receive this award together with Dr. Sagawa, whom I deeply respect. Reflecting on our journey, both of us independently discovered the same substance in the early 1980s. Today, neodymium magnets are essential in a variety of fields, and I am elated that we were able to make this remarkable discovery.''

Both doctors shared insights into their academic journeys, professional experiences, and their discovery of neodymium magnets.
"I lacked confidence as a student," Dr. Sagawa said. "However, my time for working for companies allowed me to apply the research knowledge gained in the graduate school, immersing myself in magnet research. Now I encourage young people to pursue a career in science."

Meanwhile, Dr. Croat said, "The discovery of neodymium magnets has enabled major technological innovations, including the miniaturization of household appliances and the development of computers. It continues to be used in various high-tech applications even today. I am thrilled and honored to have played a role in its discovery and development."

Dr. Sagawa's research and biography: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202311283430-O1-T8HSiax4.pdf

Dr. Croat's research and biography: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202311283430-O2-1vLpgM0l.pdf

History of permanent magnet research/ Present and future of neodymium magnets: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202311283430-O3-BEzBzzM3.pdf

About Honda Foundation: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202311283430-O4-03J0h6bw.pdf

Honda Foundation's official website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en/

Honda Prize 2023 Awarded to Dr. Masato Sagawa of Japan and Dr. John J. Croat of U.S.

HONDA FOUNDATION — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Oct. 4, 2023 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Honda Foundation
- For Their Invention of Neodymium (Nd-Fe-B) Magnet and Their Contributions to Its Practical Application -

The Honda Foundation, a public-interest incorporated organization, has announced that in 2023, the 44th Honda Prize will be awarded to Dr. Masato Sagawa of Japan (an advisor to Daido Steel Co., Ltd. and the president of NDFEB Corporation) and Dr. John J. Croat of the United States (former president of John Croat Consulting, Inc.), both of whom invented the world’s most powerful permanent magnet, the neodymium magnet. They established two different methods for manufacturing the magnet at approximately the same time -- but completely independently.

Sintered and bonded neodymium magnets: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106338/202309290455/_prw_PI1fl_s8VnQv7X.jpg

Permanent magnets play an important role as a fundamental material in modern society and are widely used across various industries, including electronics, industrial machinery, and automobiles. When Dr. Sagawa and Dr. Croat started their research, the most powerful magnet was the samarium-cobalt (Sm-Co) magnet, developed in 1969.

In their independent research projects, both Dr. Sagawa and Dr. Croat pursued the potential of magnetic materials using iron (Fe), which is more abundant and has a greater magnetic moment (*1) than cobalt. They added the rare earth element neodymium (Nd), in place of samarium, and a small amount of boron (B) to the iron-based magnet, thereby creating the Nd-Fe-B permanent magnet. In 1982, at roughly the same time, Dr. Sagawa presented a paper on the sintering process, and Dr. Croat presented his paper on the rapid solidification process as their magnet-manufacturing methods.

The arrival of the neodymium magnet (Nd-Fe-B permanent magnet), which shows a high coercivity even with a piece just a few millimeters in size, enabled a significant size reduction in motors and hard disk drives, thereby advancing IT usage in society. The neodymium magnet now occupies 95% of the permanent magnet market for the use of motors in wind turbines and in electric and hybrid vehicles. This magnet accomplished the wider electrification of motor operations while improving motor efficiency, which in turn significantly contributes to reducing CO2 emissions.

Over the years, the Honda Foundation has been promoting as its mission "ecotechnology," (*2) which aims to contribute to the development of scientific technology and humankind, harmonizing both the human and natural environments. As the inventions are fully in accord with this mission, the Prize will be awarded to Dr. Sagawa and Dr. Croat for their inventions, which are worthy of the highest recognition.

Notes:
(*1) Magnetic moment: A measurement of the strength of attraction of a magnetic field
(*2) Ecotechnology: A neologism combining an image of the natural world (ecology) and technology within the context of civilization as a whole. It was advocated by the Honda Foundation in 1979 and seeks new technological concepts required by human society to further the coexistence of people and technology.

Dr. Sagawa's research and biography: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202309290455-O1-8FTEJxG6.pdf

Dr. Croat's research and biography: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202309290455-O2-qez2T3X8.pdf

History of permanent magnet research/ Present and future of neodymium magnets: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202309290455-O5-d20w1u9F.pdf

About Honda Foundation and award ceremony
The Honda Foundation established the Honda Prize in 1980 as Japan’s first international award that acknowledges achievements contributing to "the creation of a truly humane civilization." An award ceremony will be held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, on November 16, 2023. In addition to prize medals and diplomas, the laureates will be awarded a total of 10 million yen.
For more information, please visit:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202309290455-O4-wWBaKurv.pdf

Honda Foundation's official website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en/

43rd Honda Prize Awarded to Dr. Hidetoshi Katori for His Invention: Optical Lattice Clock

HONDA FOUNDATION — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Dec. 6, 2022 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Honda Foundation
The Honda Foundation in Tokyo held the 43rd Honda Prize Award Ceremony on November 17, 2022, where it awarded this year's prize to Dr. Hidetoshi Katori, Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo (Chief Scientist and Team Leader, RIKEN).

Photo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106338/202211290547/_prw_PI1fl_P9kwW68A.jpg

Hiroto Ishida, President of the Honda Foundation, commented, "Precise time measurement is becoming increasingly important in modern society. Dr. Katori's invention, the optical lattice clock, is able to measure height differences of 1 cm using the relativistic effect that time moves more slowly where gravity is lower. We can anticipate that this will be important for disaster management, such as detecting volcanic magma rises, and pioneering new measurement technologies and research fields. In the spirit of the Honda Prize, Dr. Katori's accomplishment is truly remarkable."

Kazuko Matsumoto of the Honda Prize Selection Committee explained the selection process: "We asked 300 nominators from around the world and chose the winners from 27 groups of candidates from 11 countries. For selection, we considered not only the candidates' goals and accomplishments but also how their inventions can improve people's lives. Dr. Katori invented the optical lattice clock in 2001, which uses atoms trapped in an optical lattice to create an ultra-precise time standard. In contrast to the current international atomic time standard, cesium atomic clocks, which are accurate to about 15 digits, this new method can measure time to 18 digits. Dr. Katori was chosen for this award in recognition that the limitless possibilities of the technology fit with the idea behind the Honda Prize."

Dr. Katori stated, "I am honored to receive the Honda Prize. I would like to thank both the Honda Foundation and selection committee. After decades of research, it has become important for me to leave behind results that will benefit mankind and society. While the research began out of curiosity, as it developed, I hoped to share it with society. I am thankful to have found a research field that has inspired me for so many years."

He added, "I would like to make a smaller clock that measures in millimeters with 19-digit accuracy in 1,000 seconds. Along with downsizing and networking the clock, I have begun talking with geophysicists about targets for predicting volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Time measurement technology can be improved indefinitely, and these advancements will drive social change. Last year, I was asked to write the final chapter of a high school physics textbook. I imagine those students are now in university or working, where they are discovering real-world applications. I think it is time to pass the baton to the next generation of brilliant minds."

Dr. Katori’s research on the optical lattice clock:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202211290547-O1-q1Q8Fm8A.pdf

Dr. Hidetoshi Katori:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202211290547-O2-696lCIe2.pdf

Official website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en

Honda Prize 2022 Awardee: Dr. Hidetoshi Katori, Professor, Graduate School

HONDA FOUNDATION — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Sept. 30, 2022 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Honda Foundation
-For Inventing Optical Lattice Clock That Only Loses One Second in 30 Billion Years-

The Honda Foundation, the public-interest incorporated foundation established by Soichiro Honda and his younger brother Benjiro and currently led by President Hiroto Ishida, is pleased to announce that the Honda Prize 2022 will be awarded to Dr. Hidetoshi Katori, Professor, the Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo (Chief Scientist and Team Leader, RIKEN), for inventing an optical lattice clock that is 1,000 times more precise than conventional atomic clocks.

The Honda Prize, established in 1980 and awarded annually, is an international award recognizing the work of individuals or groups generating new knowledge that will drive the next generation from the standpoint of ecotechnology (*1). Dr. Katori invented in 2001 a novel optical atomic clock that uses a large number of atoms trapped in an optical lattice to provide an ultra-high-precision time and frequency standard. In contrast to the cesium atomic clock (*2) that keeps the International Atomic Time with an accuracy of about 15 digits (*3), the optical atomic clock is expected to allow 18-digit precision by employing optical transitions that have tens of thousands of times higher frequency than microwave frequency. At this precision, it takes 30 billion years to lose one second.

This precision enables relativistic geodesy to measure a height difference of one centimeter on Earth based on the relativistic effect that causes time to flow slowly for a strong gravitational field.

The origin of ecotechnology is in Soichiro Honda's words: "Make people happy with technology." The improvement in accuracy of one second is expected to have an immeasurable impact on mankind. The Prize will be awarded to Dr. Katori for this groundbreaking invention, which is worthy of the highest recognition.

Research on the optical lattice clock by Dr. Katori: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202209267170-O3-LaTJcIDW.pdf

Dr. Hidetoshi Katori: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202209267170-O2-AkeCb8r1.pdf

Notes:
(*1)Ecotechnology: A neologism combining imaging of the natural world (ecology), including civilization as a whole, and technology. Advocated by the Honda Foundation in 1979, it seeks new technological concepts required by human society to further the coexistence of people and technology.

(*2)Cesium atomic clock: An atomic clock that uses the cesium 133 atom. Atomic clocks rely on the property of atoms to emit and absorb electromagnetic waves with a certain frequency. The duration of electromagnetic waves oscillating 9,192,631,770 times, which is generated by cesium transition, defines one second and has been used to keep the International Atomic Time since the 13th General Conference of Weights and Measures in 1967. The accuracy of the cesium clock corresponds to a loss of one second in 60 million years.

(*3)International Atomic Time accuracy of about 15 digits: Accurate enough to measure with a fractional accuracy with one part in 10 to the 15th power.

Official website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en

French Neurosurgeon and Physicist Dr. Alim Louis Benabid, Recipient of 42nd Honda Prize

HONDA FOUNDATION — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Dec. 16, 2021 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Honda Foundation
- Commended for His Pioneering Research into Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) (*) and Contribution to Treating Involuntary Movements Caused by Parkinson’s Disease -

The Honda Foundation, based in Tokyo, is pleased to announce that the 42nd Honda Prize Award Ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, and awarded this year’s prize to Dr. Alim Louis Benabid, emeritus professor at the Joseph Fourier University and chairman of the Edmond J. Safra Biomedical Research Center at Clinatec. Like last year, the award ceremony was held online, and was streamed live across the globe including Japan and France.

Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202112094711-O3-uC5uti45

Photo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106338/202112094711/_prw_PI1fl_TO9z5cFf.jpg

Dr. Alim Louis Benabid's profile and photo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202112094711-O1-6k50s7L2.pdf

In his opening address, Hiroto Ishida, President of the Honda Foundation, said, “It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Benabid here today. Dr. Benabid was the first neurosurgeon to apply deep brain stimulation (DBS) (*) in treatment of involuntary movements caused by progressive Parkinson’s disease and to use it in patients suffering from the disease. Since its efficacy was demonstrated in clinical trials, over 150,000 patients across the world have had the surgery. In recognition of this great achievement that this prize aims to honor, we awarded it to Dr. Benabid this year.”

Following these remarks, Dr. Hirohisa Uchida, vice chairman of the Honda Prize selection committee, explained: “In the selection process, we paid special attention to the amount of effort as well as the level of contribution to people’s daily lives. DBS (*) was developed as a treatment of involuntary movements caused by progressive Parkinson’s disease and Dr. Benabid established its use in patients suffering from the disease in the world. Traditionally, stereotactic surgery was used as the second option when involuntary abnormal movements cannot be managed with medication. Benefits of DBS include not only that electrodes can be removed after implantation but also that the intensity of electrical impulses can be adjusted as the disease progresses. DBS is used for the treatment of dystonia, as well as Parkinson’s disease, and has helped improve the quality of life of many people by, for example, enabling them to walk again. His pioneering research not only led to the development of this innovative treatment but also improved the quality of life of many people, which we believe makes him suitable as a winner of the Honda Prize.”

Accepting the certificate and medal, Dr. Benabid expressed his pleasure from France by saying, “Thank you. Although I’m here to receive it, this prize is for all the neurosurgeons and every other individual who took part in the development of this treatment. It is a great pleasure and honor to be awarded the Honda Prize and I am very grateful. I look forward to helping more and more patients going forward.”

(*) DBS: Electrodes are implanted around the subthalamic nucleus of the brain, along with a stimulation generator placed in the chest. The two are connected with a lead for high-frequency electrical stimulation. This aids in restoring movement functions, and curbing tremors and other symptoms for improved mobility in everyday living.

Official website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en

Honda Prize 2021 Awarded to French Neurosurgeon and Physicist Dr. Alim Louis Benabid

HONDA FOUNDATION — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 17:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Sept. 30, 2021 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Honda Foundation
- Pioneering Research into Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) (*) and Contribution to Treating Involuntary Movement Caused by Parkinson’s Disease -

The Honda Foundation, the public interest incorporated foundation established by Soichiro Honda and his younger brother Benjiro and currently led by President Hiroto Ishida, is pleased to announce that the Honda Prize 2021 will be awarded to Dr. Alim Louis Benabid, Professor Emeritus of Joseph Fourier University and Chairman of the Board of Clinatec, both of France, for his contribution to pioneering research and practical application of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the treatment of involuntary movement caused by progressive Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.

(Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202109210324-O3-UtH2e7LX)

(Photo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202109210324-O2-qCGj2TiR)

The Honda Prize, established in 1980 and awarded once each year, is an international award that recognizes the work of individuals or groups generating new knowledge to drive the next generation, from the standpoint of ecotechnology. Dr. Benabid was the first to make use of DBS for the treatment of involuntary movement, caused mainly by progressive Parkinson’s disease, and to succeed in its practical application. DBS is a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted in the subthalamic nucleus in the brain. Stimulation by high-frequency electric current from electrodes reduces tremors and restores the motor function of Parkinson’ s disease patients. Recognition of its effectiveness in clinical studies led to the dissemination of DBS worldwide, with more than 150,000 patients undergoing this procedure to date.

If involuntary tremors cannot be controlled with drug therapy considered best suited to treat Parkinson’s disease, a surgical procedure known as thalamotomy was commonly performed to destroy a tiny portion of the brain. On the other hand, DBS is a reversible procedure in which the implanted electrodes can not only be removed but also adjusted to fine-tune the strength of the current. DBS can be used to treat not only Parkinson’s but also dystonia and other motor disorders, and contributes to improving the quality of life of many, including restoring the ability to stand alone, for example. The Prize will be awarded to Dr. Benabid for this innovative treatment method, which is worthy of the highest recognition.

This year, the presentation ceremony for the 42nd Honda Prize will be held on November 17, 2021, in an online format, to be broadcast in Japan, France and various other countries.

(*) DBS: Electrodes are implanted around the subthalamic nucleus of the brain, along with a stimulation generator placed in the chest. The two are connected with a lead for high-frequency electrical stimulation. This aids in restoring movement functions, and curbing tremors and other symptoms for improved mobility in everyday living.

For more information about the press release and CV of Dr. Benabid, please refer to the Honda Foundation via: URL: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/news/view_en/1504

Official website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en

41st Honda Prize Awarded to Dr. Henning Kagermann, Chair of Board of Trustees, National Academy ...

HONDA FOUNDATION — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Dec. 10, 2020 /Kyodo JBN/ --
41st Honda Prize Awarded to Dr. Henning Kagermann,
Chair of Board of Trustees, National Academy of Science
and Engineering (Germany), for His Work on Industrie 4.0
The Honda Foundation (established by Honda Motor Co. founder Soichiro Honda and younger brother Benjiro) held an award ceremony for the 41st Honda Prize on November 17, 2020, where Dr. Henning Kagermann, Chair of the Board of Trustees, National Academy of Science and Engineering (Germany), was awarded the Honda Prize 2020. The award ceremony, held online for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was broadcast to Japan, Germany and other countries.

(Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202012088280-O1-eEbOS05j)

(Photo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106338/202012088280/_prw_PI2fl_1vIw9pX1.jpg)

In his opening address, Hiroto Ishida, President of the Honda Foundation, said, "It is a great pleasure to award the Honda Prize 2020 to Dr. Kagermann. The Industrie 4.0 initiative he proposes foresaw the turmoil and tragedy that unilateral technological advances could bring to society, and provided a path for people to respond appropriately. Dr. Kagermann’s great achievements are in keeping with the spirit of the Honda Prize and this has led to our awarding him this prize."

Following these remarks, Dr. Hirohisa Uchida, vice chairman of the Honda Prize selection committee, explained: "In the selection process, we focused on the kind of challenges made and how the results have contributed to the lives of people around the world. The goal of Industrie 4.0 is to use data to digitize the true nature of industry, increasing transparency, predictability and autonomy to optimize flexibility and agility not only in the manufacturing industry but in all industries. By doing so, it presents one way of thinking that aims to realize a better ecosystem that includes our own existence. These efforts are notable achievements worthy of the Honda Prize."

Graciously accepting the certificate and medal, Dr. Kagermann said, "It is a great honor for me to receive the Honda Prize and above all I take it as a recognition of the successful work of all the experts who are part of establishing a common vision of Industrie 4.0 and also for those who are turning Industrie 4.0 into reality. The motivation behind Industrie 4.0 is the need for a more resilient and sustainable society. A society that can absorb shocks from unexpected crises like the economic crisis of 2009 and the current pandemic is smoother, less volatile and more frictionless. We also want to be in a position to combine the recovery phase with the chance of transformation and societal progress. Technology has a potential to solve a range of societal and economic challenges but it can cause issues in particular if you move from automated systems with predefined outcomes to self-learning and self-determining systems like those we need for the success of industry 4.0. Resolving issues caused by technology and economic growth is a central part of the mission of the Honda Foundation. I would like to thank the selection committee, and the Honda Foundation, as well as all of my colleagues who helped establish Industrie 4.0 as a common vision and all the friends and colleagues of the acatech community."

About the Honda Prize The Honda Foundation
URL: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en/index.html

Source: Honda Foundation