PLNU Now Co-Host of Kyoto Prize Symposium

On April 4, as part of the 10th annual San Diego Kyoto Prize Symposium events, PLNU hosted the Kyoto Prize Laureates on campus for a press conference and luncheon. This was PLNU’s fifth consecutive year hosting the press conference, and it was announced that beginning next year, PLNU will serve as an official co-host university for the Kyoto Prize Symposium, joining San Diego State University, UC San Diego, and the University of San Diego.

“I’m pleased that the Inamori Foundation [which grants the Kyoto Prize] has included PLNU as one of the four San Diego host universities for the Kyoto Prize Symposium,” said PLNU President Bob Brower. “This annual award recognizing renowned scholars, artists, and philosophers for their contributions to humankind is one of the most prestigious global honors. PLNU’s association with the Inamori Foundation and the Kyoto Prize provides unique opportunities for the university and extends our relationships within and beyond San Diego.”

Each of the four co-host universities is awarded a grant of $50,000 a year for four years from the Inamori Foundation. PLNU will use its grant to establish the Inamori Science Scholars Program, which will provide scholarships for students conducting scientific research.

The Kyoto Prize is awarded to individuals whose life works have benefitted humankind’s scientific, cultural, and spiritual development. Last year’s laureates were stem cell pioneer Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, mathematician Dr. László Lovász, and visual artist William Kentridge.