Soai Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Overview
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki congratulated Professor Emeritus Kenso Soai of Tokyo University of Science on winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, calling the discovery of asymmetric autocatalysis an achievement linked to research on the origin of life. The government said it would strengthen Japan’s research and development capacity by improving the research environment and training and securing young researchers, with the aim of continuing to produce outstanding research results.
Key points
- With this award, Japan has 31 Nobel Prize laureates and 1 organization.
- Since the start of the 21st century, the number of laureates in the 3 natural sciences categories is 22, ranking 2nd after the United States.
- The government plans to strengthen research and development capacity by creating an environment where researchers can focus on their work and by training and securing young researchers.
Overview
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki said it was gratifying that Professor Emeritus Kenso Soai of Tokyo University of Science had won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He said that a second consecutive year of awards in the natural sciences once again demonstrates Japan’s high standard of research to the world.
The award recognized the discovery of nonlinear effects in asymmetric organic synthesis and autocatalytic reactions. The discovery of asymmetric autocatalysis, in which a very slight molecular imbalance leads to a much larger imbalance, contributes to research into the origins of homochirality, which is also relevant to the emergence of life. The deputy chief cabinet secretary called it a groundbreaking achievement that could help solve the shared human mystery of the origin of life.
Impact
The deputy chief cabinet secretary said the award would be a great source of pride and encouragement for the people of Japan.
Details
The deputy chief cabinet secretary said the award was announced on the previous day, the 7th. The previous evening, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called Professor Emeritus Soai directly to convey her congratulations, and the Prime Minister’s Office website also expressed congratulations and respect for the award and his achievements.
To continue producing outstanding research results, the government will create an environment where excellent researchers can focus on their work with peace of mind, and work to train and secure creative young researchers. It said it would comprehensively and fundamentally strengthen Japan’s research and development capacity across various fields.