Professor Shizuo AKIRA Receives 2026 Japan Prize

The Japan Prize Foundation announced on January 21 that Specially Appointed Professor Shizuo AKIRA (Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS) has been awarded the 2026 Japan Prize.

The creation of the Japan Prize was motivated by the Japanese government’s desire to “contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide by establishing a prestigious international award.” The Japan Prize was established in 1983 with a cabinet endorsement and is supported by numerous private donations. The award honors scientists and researchers from around the world, recognizing individuals who have contributed significantly to the peace and prosperity of humankind through original and outstanding achievements that have greatly advanced the progress of science and technology. Researchers working in all fields of science and technology are eligible to receive the Japan Prize. The selection of two fields for the award each year takes into account recent advancements in science and technology.

Past recipients include leading Japanese scientists such as Professor Tadamitsu KISHIMOTO, Professor Toshio HIRANO, and Professor Yoshio OKAMOTO.

Of the two designated fields this year— “Electronics, Information, and Communications” and “Life Sciences”—the award in the “Life Sciences” category has been decided for Professor Shizuo Akira.

[Awarded Achievement]
"Elucidation of the Nucleic Acid Recognition Mechanism by the Innate Immune System”

Click here for the website of the Japan Prize Foundation.
The award ceremony will be held in Tokyo on Tuesday, April 14.

【Comments from President Atsushi Kumanogh】
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Shizuo Akira on receiving the globally prestigious Japan Prize.
We are extremely proud that Professor Akira's longstanding passion and dedication to research have been acknowledged worldwide. We sincerely wish him continued success in his future endeavors and pledge that the University of Osaka remains committed to advancing research and education that contribute to the world.

[Related Link]
・Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, the University of Osaka
https://www.camad.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/