Point Loma Nazarene University is proud to once again announce its participation in the annual Kyoto Prize Laureate Symposium as a sponsor and member of the organizing committee. The Kyoto Prize was established by Kazuo Inamori, founder of Kyocera International, to honor persons who have contributed to the scientific and spiritual progress of humanity.
Last year, PLNU began its involvement with Kyoto by hosting the press conference that kicked off the Symposium, and a luncheon for the Laureates, the Symposium Organizing Committee, and officials of the Inamori Foundation. This year, the press conference and luncheon will be on Wednesday, March 12, in PLNU’s Fermanian Business Center.
The prize is presented annually in three categories: Advanced Technology, Basic Sciences, and Arts and Philosophy. The awards, including a $500,000 prize to each Laureate, are made each year in Japan, and then each Laureate is honored in North America through the three-day Symposium.
Events will also be held at the University of San Diego, San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego.
This year’s Laureates include:
Dr. Hiroo Inokuchi, professor emeritus, University of Tokyo and Institute of Molecular Science.
Inokuchi established the scientific foundation for studying the electrical connectivity of organic materials, and was the first to identify their “semi conductive” properties. Through such research, he made fundamental contributions to the subsequent development of organic molecular electronics – which ranks among the most promising new fields of global electronics industry.
Dr. Hiroo Kanamori, professor emeritus, California Institute of Technology
Kanamori’s to quantify the earthquake rupture process have yielded epoch-making process in understanding great earthquakes and tsunamis. He established almost single-handedly established the field of Great Earthquake Seismology; opening a new era in the sciences. He has contributed to earthquake hazard mitigation systems with great potential to promote human welfare.
Pina Bausch, choreographer and artistic director
Recognized as one of the world’s most influential choreographers, Bausch has opened new dimensions in the theatrical arts that transcend conventional dance and theater. Credited with creating the new performance genre of “Tanztheater” (dance theater), she fearlessly explores human identity and the difficulty of mutual understanding.
In addition to hosting the press conference and luncheon, PLNU will also co-host a VIP reception on Thursday, March 13 at the San Diego Natural History Museum. The PLNU jazz band will provide music and entertainment for the evening.
For more information on the award recipients and the symposium, visit www.kyotoprize.org.