Specially Appointed Professor NAGATA Shigekazu Selected for the 2026 Order of Culture

Specially Appointed Professor NAGATA Shigekazu has been chosen to receive the 2026 Order of Culture.
The Order of Culture, established in 1937, is awarded to individuals who have made particularly distinguished contributions to the advancement of culture.
At the University of Osaka, a total of 25 individuals have received the Order of Culture to date, including Professor Emeritus KAWASHIMA Yasunaru and Professor Emeritus KOMATSU Kazuhiko, who were honored last year.

■Comment from President KUMANOGOH Atsushi
I would like to congratulate Professor NAGATA on receiving the Order of Culture.
Over the course of a distinguished research career, he conducted studies on apoptosis, producing a series of remarkable achievements, including the identification of molecules responsible for cell death and the clarification of the molecular mechanisms underlying their function.
Furthermore, he significantly deepened the understanding of the indispensable role of cell death in maintaining life and the workings of the immune system, thereby making outstanding contributions to the advancement of medical and life sciences in Japan.
I extend my deepest respect for his achievements, which have now been widely recognized and have culminated in the prestigious honor.
His tireless intellectual curiosity, unwavering passion, and lofty commitment to the pursuit of truth continue to inspire and educate countless researchers and students.
We sincerely hope that Professor NAGATA will continue to contribute to the further advancement of academic research in Japan and inspire the next generation of researchers with hope and courage.
Congratulations once again on being awarded the Order of Culture.