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| Pioneering Contributions to Opening Up Theoretical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and Establishment of Information Geometry |
| Shun-ichi Amari has conducted pioneering research in artificial neural networks and established the field of information geometry, which studies statistical models using the techniques of differential geometry, thereby proposing many important theories. His contributions to both theory and application, influencing various fields, are of major significance. |
| From Dr. Shun-ichi Amari |
| The Kyoto Prize is an internationally renowned academic award that honors individuals who have contributed to the advancement of human civilization, established on the philosophy of its founder, Kazuo Inamori. I never dreamed I would receive this honor, and I am simply overwhelmed with emotion. I have devoted myself to exploring the foundations of information science from a mathematical perspective, particularly focusing on fundamental areas such as the basic technologies of artificial intelligence, mathematical neuroscience, and information geometry. I am deeply grateful that the research I pursued out of personal interest has achieved such recognition, thanks to the support of many colleagues. |
| Discovery of Genomic Imprinting in Mammals and Elucidation of Its Molecular Mechanisms |
| Azim Surani demonstrated that both paternal and maternal genomes are indispensable for normal mammalian development and subsequently discovered genomic imprinting that confers specific modifications and complementary functions to each genome. Furthermore, he has played a pioneering role in elucidating its underlying mechanisms, thereby making contributions to foundational scientific insights across a broad spectrum of life science fields. |
| From Dr. Azim Surani |
| I am deeply honoured to receive the prestigious Kyoto Prize. My work with my current and former research assistants, students, and postdoctoral colleagues has led to significant discoveries that have advanced our field. I take great pride in my alumni, many of whom have successfully established their own outstanding research labs and taken on leadership roles in diverse fields. Working alongside these talented young scientists has been a privilege and a continuous source of inspiration throughout my career. With this award, I acknowledge the contributions of everyone who has been part of my lab over the years. |
| Pioneering a New Horizon for the “Ethic of Care” While Pointing Out the Distortions and Limitations of Conventional Psychological Theories by Analyzing Women’s Thoughts and Behaviors |
| Carol Gilligan has critiqued conventional psychological theories for narrowing the model of personality development and relegating the “care” perspective—which emphasizes human relationships—to a subordinate, gendered status as a feminine moral perspective. By envisioning an enmeshment of the “ethic of justice” and “ethic of care,” Gilligan has established a new academic foundation to address global issues related to care. |
| From Dr. Carol Gilligan |
| I am deeply honored and personally very moved by this recognition of my work. Honored by such a profound acknowledgement of the importance of bringing the voices of women and girls into the human conversation and moved to find myself in the company of Pina Bausch and Martha Nussbaum whose work, each in its own way, has contributed to mine. For the Inamori Foundation and its Selection Committee to award the Kyoto prize at this particular historical moment to the ethic of care strikes me as especially important, and hopeful, and for this I am extremely grateful. |
The Kyoto Prize presentation ceremony is held to honor the laureates in the presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado and many distinguished guests from Japan and overseas including ambassadors and consuls general from many countries. Each laureate is presented with a diploma, a Kyoto Prize medal, and the prize money at the ceremony.
A joint press conference is held with the participation of the laureates right after the Presentation Ceremony.
Following the presentation ceremony, a banquet is held in the presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado as well as many distinguished guests from Japan and overseas.
Commemorative lectures for the general public provide an opportunity to get to know not only the outstanding achievements of the laureates but also their views on life and their personalities. The laureates, who have reached the pinnacles of their respective fields, speak to the audience about their work while relating various episodes. After each lecture, an interviewer will ask the laureates about the lecture and their views on life from the audience’s perspective.
The local NPO Kyoto Symposium Organization and local universities (now University of California San Diego and Point Loma Nazarene University) have been inviting Kyoto Prize laureates and holding a symposium in San Diego, California in March since 2002.
The University of Oxford Blavatnik School of Government has been inviting Kyoto Prize laureates and holding diverse programs filled with intellectual stimulation, including public lectures and panel discussions, in May since 2017.