HFSP Nakasone Award
The HFSP Nakasone Award is an annual award for ground-breaking contributions or breakthrough discoveries in the life sciences which rewards achievements in scientific excellence resulting in a particular discovery that has moved the frontiers of knowledge in biology.
The award recognizes the vision of former Prime Minister Nakasone of Japan in creating the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) whose mission is “to promote, through international cooperation, basic research focused on the elucidation of the sophisticated and complex mechanisms of living organisms.” Likewise, HFSP is committed to diversity and inclusion and especially seeks nominations of scientists that advance greater equity and inclusion in the global scientific enterprise.
Scientific Merit
The award is given for scientific excellence of a clearly defined discovery or series of discoveries in basic life science research that dates back not more than 10 years, and that is in accord with HFSP’s mission to support basic research into the “complex mechanisms of living organisms.”
The 10 year period following the discovery should be evident from publications that are listed in the nomination document. The HFSP Nakasone Award seeks to reward a distinct breakthrough and is not meant to be a lifetime achievement award.
Areas have traditionally ranged from molecular and cellular approaches to biological functions to systems neuroscience including cognitive functions. However, all levels of complexity involving mechanisms of biological phenomena or the interactions between organisms themselves and with the environment will be considered.
The discovery or discoveries shall:
1. be frontier contributions to knowledge in the life sciences dating back no longer than 10 years;
2. have resulted in a notable conceptual breakthrough that has had significant consequences for scientists throughout the world;
3. be identifiable via (a) specific publication(s).
4. Experimental, conceptual and technological contributions are all eligible.
The awardee(s) will receive an unrestricted research grant of 15,000 USD, a commemorative medal, a certificate and will deliver the HFSP Nakasone Lecture at the HFSP Awardees Meeting.
