The Inamori Foundation (Kyoto City; Chairperson Shinobu Kanazawa) has awarded the 2026 Kyoto Prize to three recipients, including Tsutomu Miyasaka and Farooq Azam. Miyasaka is a Project Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Toin University of Yokohama, for inventing lightweight, flexible next-generation "perovskite solar cells." Azam is an Emeritus Professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, who elucidated the role marine microorganisms play in global material cycles such as carbon.
Provided by the Inamori Foundation
Miyasaka received the award in the "Advanced Technology" category for "Creation of Next-Generation Photovoltaic Technologies, Perovskite Solar Cells." Perovskite is a type of crystal structure. Utilizing its electrical-charging properties, it has been used in electronic devices such as capacitors and printer heads. Perovskite synthetically created using iodine and bromine has light-absorbing properties. Miyasaka's research group discovered that this type of perovskite possesses the ability to convert light into electricity and generate power. He proposed it to the world as a solar cell based on a new concept.
Unlike traditional panel-shaped silicon solar cells, perovskite solar cells are thin, lightweight, and flexible, presenting a next-generation approach to power sources that overturns conventional wisdom. Miyasaka has also led efforts to reduce environmental impact by addressing the use of toxic lead and to improve the lifespan of the cells. He continues to exert a major influence on solving global energy issues. He also serves as a Specially Appointed Professor at Waseda University.
The foundation commented, "The field of perovskite solar cells has undergone academic deepening and is now progressing toward the stage of practical application to support a sustainable social infrastructure."
Azam won the award in the "Basic Sciences" category for his achievement, "Elucidating the Role of 'Microbial Loop' in Marine Carbon Cycling." The microbial loop refers to a food chain in which microbes in oceans, lakes, and rivers play the leading roles. Traditionally, the carbon cycle in marine environments was thought to center primarily around plankton. However, Azam's research revealed the critical role of microorganisms such as bacteria and protozoa.
It was previously believed that the tiny organic matter excreted by phytoplankton could not be utilized by other living organisms. However, his work revealed that bacteria feed on this matter, and protozoa then consume the bacteria, thereby returning it to the food chain. Azam also clarified the role that microbes play in the global cycling of materials like carbon, bringing a decisive transformation to marine ecology and biogeochemistry.
The foundation stated, "Elucidating the role of microbes in marine ecosystems has contributed significantly to the development of marine ecology, centering on the oceans."
In addition, multimedia artist Laurie Anderson was selected for the "Arts and Philosophy" category. She was recognized for "developing activities that cross the boundaries of music, art, and film while utilizing technology with innovative ideas and humor, and establishing a unique multimedia performance expression that is both experimental and pop-infused, presented as an integration of the narrative voice, the body, and electronic media."
The announcement was made on the 19th. The award is presented to individuals who have contributed to the development of science and civilization, as well as the spiritual deepening and elevation of humanity, marking its 41st presentation this year. The award ceremony will be held on November 10 at the Kyoto International Conference Center (Kyoto City), where each of the three laureates will receive a cash prize of 100 million yen.
Original article was provided by the Science Portal and has been translated by Science Japan.