Kyoto Prizewinner Reflects on Stem-Cell Breakthrough
Researcher Shinya Yamanaka mixed laughs with his life's work during his Kyoto Prize Symposium lecture.
Vision and hard work — according to renowned stem cell researcher Shinya Yamanaka, those are the two keys to success.
Yamanaka, the 2010 Kyoto Prize recipient in advanced technology, spoke of his own success to a crowd of around 700 students, faculty, community members and scientists on April 5 in SDSU’s Montezuma Hall. His presentation was part of the tenth annual Kyoto Prize Symposium, a three-day celebration of the Kyoto Prize.
About the prize
The Kyoto Prize honors those who have contributed significantly to humankind’s scientific, cultural and spiritual development. The annual award is presented in Kyoto, Japan, and is funded by the Inamori Foundation.
As part of the Kyoto Prize Symposium, SDSU hosts a lecture by the award recipient for advanced technology each year. University of San Diego and University of California, San Diego, host the Kyoto Prize recipients in the arts and philosophy, and basic sciences, respectively.
"We are grateful to Dr. Inamori and the Inamori Foundation for sharing (the laureates) with us and providing this occasion to contemplate the connection between these laureates’ extraordinary accomplishments and our common quest for peace and harmony," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber.
Of humor and research
Throughout his speech, Yamanaka used humor while presenting his complex research. Yamanaka is famous for deriving induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from adult skin cells. These manufactured stem cells were a revolutionary breakthrough in the field, as they are less controversial than embryonic stem cells, and reduce the possibility of the organs in which they create being rejected by the body.
Yamanaka’s research is ongoing, but he has had an unprecedented influence in the biomedical community and continues to do so as studies prove the value of working with iPS cells in treating various ailments.
Honoring Inamori
Prior to Yamanaka’s lecture, SDSU President Stephen Weber conferred an honorary doctorate of science on Kazuo Inamori, founder of the Kyoto Prize and Kyocera. Inamori received the honorary degree, the only one conferred by SDSU this year, because of his efforts in encouraging individuals to work for the greater good of all humankind.
The event concluded with applause and a standing ovation in honor of Yamanaka and Inamori for their incredible efforts to advance humanity.
For more information on the Kyoto Prize and Inamori Foundation, visit www.kyotoprize.org.
