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The 2024 Kyoto Prize Symposium was held from March 12 to 14. This symposium has been held by the local NPO Kyoto Symposium Organization and two universities (University of California San Diego and Point Loma Nazarene University) in San Diego, California each year since 2002. Here is a brief report on each of the events.
On the 12th, Ms. Nalini Malani, the 2023 Kyoto Prize laureate in Arts and Philosophy, was welcomed on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) by the representatives of the university and of KSO, along with the recipients of the scholarship program implemented by PLNU based on a donation from the Inamori Foundation. The PLNU scholars explained their own fields of study and Ms. Malani shared her story of how she became an artist in a relaxed atmosphere. A commemorative photo was taken at the end of the meeting.
On the 13th, Dr. Elliott H. Lieb, the 2023 Kyoto Prize laureate in Basic Sciences, gave an online lecture and presented snapshots of his journey through the world of science including his memories of Japan. Then, Dr. W. Steven Ward (Director of the Institute for Biogenesis Research at the University of Hawaiʻi) gave a lecture in memory of Dr. Ryuzo Yanagimachi, the 2023 Kyoto Prize laureate in Advanced Technology who passed away last September. Dr. Ward, who had closely observed Dr. Yanagimachi’s research, talked about how Dr. Yanagimachi approached his research with sincerity, episodes from his laboratory that give a sense of his personality, and key points of his achievements.
The Benefit Gala was also held on the evening of May 13. The laureates were first introduced, followed by the introduction of high school seniors from San Diego and Tijuana, who were selected to receive the Kyoto Symposium Organization’s scholarships for university preparation. The scholarship recipients were warmly applauded by the approximately 320 participants gathered at the venue as they talked passionately about their interests, extracurricular activities they have been involved in, and the dreams they hope to fulfill after entering university. The event ended on a high note with a singing performance by a singer and the University of California San Diego (UCSD) a cappella group.
Ms. Malani gave a lecture at UCSD on the 14th. She reflected on her life to date as an artist, explaining the style and subjects of her work.
Each lecture was followed by a Q&A session with the speakers, moderated by a UCSD professor. The three speakers answered questions from the participants, delving deeper into how they came to their achievements and how they approach their research and works. The three lectures were attended by approximately 500 people in total.
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