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23rd Annual Kyoto Prize Winners to Attend San Diego’s “Kyoto Laureate Symposium” March 12-14, 2008 Public presentations at SDSU, UCSD and USD will feature Japanese chemist, Caltech earthquake scientist and German choreographer SAN DIEGO — February 27, 2008 —The Inamori Foundation and the Kyoto Symposium Organization today announced that they will host the seventh annual Kyoto Laureate Symposium here March 12-14, 2008, spotlighting the 23rd annual laureates of the Kyoto Prize—Japan’s highest private award for lifetime achievement—in a three-day celebration of the laureates’ lives and works. Admission to most events is free, with registration available online at www.kyotoprize.org. A fund-raising benefit gala, “The Kyoto Prize: Celebrating Outstanding Human Achievement,” will officially open the Symposium at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. Complimentary public presentations by each laureate will follow, March 13-14, at San Diego State University; University of California, San Diego; and University of San Diego. The Latest Kyoto Prize Laureates Dr. Hiroo Inokuchi, a chemist and professor emeritus at University of Tokyo, is the 23rd Kyoto Prize laureate in “Advanced Technology.” Dr. Inokuchi began studying electrical conductivity in organic materials during the 1940s. Over six decades, his research made an essential contribution to the development of “organic molecular electronics.” Resulting technologies now play a key role in the latest consumer electronics, and promise history-making advances for tomorrow’s fuel cells, solar energy systems, microprocessors and robots. Dr. Inokuchi will speak Thursday, March 13, 9:30-11:00 a.m., at San Diego State University. As part of his presentation, a representative from Sony Electronics Inc. will discuss practical applications of Dr. Inokuchi’s groundbreaking work by showcasing the world’s first TV using organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) technology in a screen just three millimeters thick. Dr. Hiroo Kanamori, a geophysicist and professor emeritus at California Institute of Technology, is the 23rd Kyoto Prize laureate in “Basic Sciences.” Dr. Kanamori established, almost single-handedly, the field of Great Earthquake Seismology. His research has yielded epoch-making progress in understanding great earthquakes and tsunamis―from measuring magnitude to minimizing human suffering. Perhaps above all, his work in “real-time” seismology has contributed to today’s most successful earthquake- and tsunami-warning systems. By providing early notification of destructive earthquake motions immediately before they arrive, such systems offer great potential to improve human well-being through effective hazard mitigation. Dr. Kanamori will share his insights Thursday, March 13, 4:00-5:30 p.m., at University of California, San Diego. Ms. Pina Bausch, an international choreographer and artistic director, is the 23rd Kyoto Prize laureate in “Arts and Philosophy.” Recognized among the world’s most influential performance artists, Ms. Bausch established new dimensions in the theatrical arts that transcend conventional concepts of dance and theater. Credited with inventing the new performance genre of “Tanztheater” (dance theater), she fearlessly explores human identity and the difficulty of creating mutual understanding. Abandoning traditional ideas and images, she uses motifs from everyday life as springboards into human consciousness to lead the dance scene in the 21st century. She once famously stated, “I’m not interested in how people move, but in what moves them.” Ms. Bausch will explore this as she demonstrates her unique choreographic process in an unprecedented, live workshop-style presentation with her dancers titled, “What Moves Me,” 3:30 p.m., Friday, March 14, at University of San Diego. “Each year, we are enormously enriched as San Diego’s Kyoto Laureate Symposium celebrates the world’s finest minds in technology, science and the arts,” said Malin Burnham, noted philanthropist and chair of the non-profit Kyoto Symposium Organization. “This year is no exception; each laureate’s presentation promises a one-of-a-kind experience not available anywhere else in the world.” Dr. Irwin Jacobs, chairman of Qualcomm Incorporated, reprises his role as the benefit gala’s honorary chair. This event will fund the 2008-‘09 Kyoto Scholarships for area students. These $10,000 scholarships are awarded annually to three San Diego and three Tijuana-area high school seniors who have been inspired by their study of a Kyoto Prize laureate to work toward the betterment of society – in the broad fields of advanced technology, basic sciences, or arts and philosophy. The gala is dedicated to the memory of Tom Fat, Esq., longtime event chair and Symposium supporter. “San Diego is a gateway to the Pacific Rim and Latin America, so it is fitting that we unite the U.S., Japan and Mexico for this celebration of human achievement,” stated Robert Horsman, president and CEO of San Diego National Bank and Symposium board member. “Further, as the first city outside of Japan to host the Kyoto Prize laureates, San Diego can showcase its thriving hi-tech, science and arts communities on the global stage.” The Kyoto Prize The Kyoto Prize is presented annually by the Inamori Foundation to individuals and groups worldwide that have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the betterment of humanity. Consisting of academic honors, a 20-karat gold medal and a cash gift of 50 million yen (about $470,000), it is Japan’s highest private award for lifetime achievement. One emblematic feature of the Kyoto Prize is that it is presented not only to recognize outstanding achievements, but also in honor of the excellent personal characteristics that have shaped those achievements. The laureates are selected through a strict and impartial process considering candidates recommended from around the world. As of November 10, 2007, the Kyoto Prize has been awarded to 74 individuals and one group – collectively representing 12 nations. Kyoto Prize laureates range from scientists, engineers and researchers to philosophers, painters, architects, sculptors, musicians and film directors. The United States has produced the most recipients (32), followed by Japan (12), the United Kingdom (nine), and France (seven). The Inamori Foundation The non-profit Inamori Foundation was established in Kyoto, Japan, in 1984 by Dr. Kazuo Inamori, a Japanese entrepreneur and humanitarian who founded Kyocera Corporation and KDDI. Dr. Inamori created the Kyoto Prize in 1985, in reflection of his belief that human beings have no higher calling than to strive for the greater good of society, and that mankind’s future can be assured only when there is a balance between our scientific progress and our spiritual depth. The Kyoto Symposium Organization The Kyoto Symposium Organization is a San Diego-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization established to support the Kyoto Laureate Symposium and Kyoto Scholarship programs. [ back to top ] [ back to press releases ] |
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