Office of the Provost

Japan Prize

The Japan Prize is awarded annually to scientists and engineers from around the world who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology, thereby furthering the cause of peace and prosperity of mankind. Each year two fields of scientific endeavor are honored. The Japan Prize laureates receive a certificate of merit and a prize medal. A cash prize of 50 million yen is also awarded for each prize field.

Award/Prize amount: ~$450,000
Application/Nomination information: Nominations are by invitation only. The Office of the Provost will submit up to two nominations, one in each category.

Fields for 2021 Japan Prize

1. Physics, Chemistry, Informatics, Engineering: Resources, Energy, Environment, Social Infrastructure

The 2021 Japan Prize in the field of “Resources, Energy, Environment, Social Infrastructure” will be awarded to an individual(s) who has achieved breakthroughs in the creation, innovation or dissemination of science and technology, thereby contributing significantly to the sustainable development of human society. Visit the Japan Prize website to learn more.

2. Life Science, Agriculture and Medicine: Medical Science, Medicinal Science

The 2021 Japan Prize in the field of “Medical Science, Medicinal Science” will be awarded to an individual(s) who has achieved scientific and technological breakthroughs, such as new discoveries or the development of innovative technologies on the “prevention,” “diagnosis,” “treatment,” or “prognosis” of diseases, thereby contributing towards the health and well-being of humankind. Visit the Japan Prize website to learn more.

Instructions for Illinois Campus Competition

Use the online form to upload the following information (in one document) for the internal campus competition:

• Identify field for which nominee is to be considered;
• Rationale/citation for the nomination (200 character maximum);
• Scientific/technical achievement that makes the nominee a compelling candidate (1,000-word maximum, paragraph form);
• Contribution to society; and
• Current CV

Nomination package must be submitted by midnight November 28, 2019.

Agency deadline: January 31
Internal/Campus deadline: November 28, 2019
Illinois campus contact: provostawards@illinois.edu
Additional information: Japan Prize Website

Illinois Recipients