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Under the clear blue skies of California, the Kyoto Prize Symposium was held in sunny San Diego from March 10 to 12, 2026, welcoming the laureates of the 2025 Kyoto Prize.
This year marks the 25th anniversary since the symposium began in 2002. Nurtured over a quarter-century, the event was once again co-hosted by the Kyoto Symposium Organization, the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego), and Point Loma Nazarene University. Together, they continue to shape a rich academic culture that sparks intellectual curiosity throughout the region.
On the UC San Diego campus, Dr. Shun-ichi Amari, mathematical engineer, and Dr. Carol Gilligan, psychologist, took the stage, while Dr. Azim Surani, developmental biologist, joined remotely to deliver his lecture. The venue was crowded with university and local high school students who listened intently to every word from the laureates. Throughout the Q&A session, the hall was filled with intellectual excitement, as the laureates responded to the student’s sharp questions with a touch of humor.
In addition, workshops were held by field, where Dr. Gilligan exchanged perspectives with philosophers on the “Ethics of Care,” while Dr. Amari engaged in discussions with business leaders and young researchers on how the research he had long been involved in impacts modern industry.
The first evening culminated in the Benefit Gala, where the Mayor of San Diego officially proclaimed March 10, 2026, as the “Kyoto Prize Symposium Day.” As the venue buzzed with songs and performances celebrating the 25th anniversary, one of the most moving moments was the appearance of six high school scholarship recipients from San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. Their heartfelt dreams and determination touched the hearts of many, creating a stage full of hope where the vision of local philanthropists and the aspirations of the youth resonated together.
The world-renowned laureates passed on the torch of wisdom to the next generation, while the entire community united to support the future of these young people. It was a truly special three-day event filled with such powerful and passionate energy.
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