Kyoto Prize at Oxford Held in the U.K.

Public lecture at Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford (C) John Cairns

The Kyoto Prize at Oxford took place at the University of Oxford on May 6 and 7, 2025. The 2024 Kyoto Prize laureates—Sir John Pendry (Advanced Technology), Dr. Paul F. Hoffman (Basic Sciences), and Mr. William Forsythe (Arts and Philosophy)—delivered public lectures and participated in a panel discussion. Below is a brief report of the events.

Lectures by Mr. William Forsythe (on May 6), Sir John Pendry, and Dr. Paul F. Hoffman (both on May 7) were held at the Inamori Forum, the main hall of the Blavatnik School of Government. The venue was filled with university researchers, students, local high school students, and other guests.

(C) John Cairns

The audience listened attentively as each laureate reflected on the influences that shaped their careers and the paths that led to their achievements. Their lectures were followed by Q&A sessions moderated by professors from the University of Oxford. Questions such as: “What is the relationship between your choreography and your storytelling?” and “Do you think there’s a possibility for a synthesis between metamaterials and other emerging areas in physics, such as quantum computing?” were asked. The laureates’ responses deepened the audience’s understanding of the topics discussed.

Q&A session after the lecture (C) John Cairns

On the afternoon of May 6, a panel discussion brought all three laureates together. This event is unique to Oxford among the Kyoto Prize events held in Japan, the U.S., and the U.K.

Panel discussion at Rhodes House, University of Oxford (C) John Cairns

Moderated by Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government, the discussion began with a question about what the laureates had learned from one another. It evolved into a lively and wide-ranging conversation, with moments such as Dr. Paul F. Hoffman asking Mr. William Forsythe whether individuality in dance is expressed or suppressed. The discussion later turned to broader issues, including the impact of the current political climate on academic freedom and scientific research, and the messages the laureates would like to convey to governments.

Towards the end of the panel, the floor was opened to the audience, with questions such as “How optimistic are you about life being able to survive on this planet, given everything humanity is currently doing? If and when there is another snowball Earth, will life still survive?” and various other thought-provoking inquiries. The session concluded with active participation and lasting interest.

At the welcome dinner on May 6, that was hosted by the Chancellor Lord Hague of Richmond along with Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government Professor Ngaire Woods, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom, delivered remarks expressing his gratitude for the occasion and emphasizing the importance of contributing to the future of humanity in a changing world. The event brought together around 120 invited guests, including researchers and students, and concluded on a lively note with vibrant cultural and academic exchanges.

Dinner at the Rhodes House (C) John Cairns

Closing reception at the terrace of Blavatnik School of Government (C) John Cairns

▶What is the “Kyoto Prize at Oxford”?
In 2016, the Inamori Foundation and the University of Oxford in the UK entered into a partnership agreement sharing mutual values and philosophy. The Blavatnik School of Government has invited Kyoto Prize laureates and organized diverse programs filled with intellectual stimulation, including public lectures and panel discussions, each May since 2017. The event was held for the 8th time this year.

Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, the venue for the event (C) John Cairns

*Panel discussion and public lectures are available on the YouTube channel of Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford .

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