The Inamori Foundation has today revealed the three Kyoto Prize 2016 Laureates, who are being recognised for their outstanding contributions to the betterment of the global community and humankind.
Earlier this year, the Inamori Foundation and the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford announced a new collaboration to bring the values of the Kyoto Prize to Oxford and celebrate talent applied to advancing the public good. First established in 1985, this is the 32nd Kyoto Prize and the first time that the Laureates will come to Oxford. This will happen in May 2017 for the inaugural Kyoto Prize at Oxford event.
This year’s Laureates are two Japanese scientists and one American philosopher:
Dr Takeo Kanade is the 2016 laureate for the Advanced Technology category in the field of information technology, and is being recognised for his pioneering contributions to computer vision and robotics. One of his most impressive achievements is the development of an artificial intelligence system capable of self-driving. He also conducted a 4,500-kilometer demonstration of the technology during the “No Hands Across America” project.
Dr Tasuku Honjo is the laureate for the Basic Sciences category in the field of molecular biology, cell biology and neurobiology. He discovered the mechanism responsible for the functional diversification of antibodies, immunoregulatory molecules and clinical applications of PD-1 (a protein that plays an important role in regulating the immune system), which has led to the development of effective cancer immunotherapy.
Dr Martha Craven Nussbaum is the laureate for the Arts and Philosophy category for contributing to the field of ethics and social justice. She challenges the conventional theory of equality and is responsible for establishing a new theory of justice by introducing human capabilities into the criteria for social justice.
Following the award ceremony in Kyoto in November, the laureates will travel to San Diego for the Kyoto Prize Symposium, before travelling to Oxford. The Kyoto Prize at Oxford will provide the chance for thought leaders and major influencers, students and faculty across Oxford, and more broadly for people across Europe, to learn about the Inamori philosophy and the values of the Kyoto Prize. These beliefs – which include dedication to an international understanding, a passion for the pursuit of knowledge in the service of public good, and a commitment to the future of our global society – are shared by the Blavatnik School’s students and faculty.
We look forward to welcoming Dr Kanade, Dr Honjo and Dr Craven Nussbaum on 9-10 May 2017 – keep checking our pages for more updates on the event.
Visit the Kyoto Prize website for more information about the 2016 Laureates
