February 04, 2025
On January 29, Professor Michihiro Suga of the University's Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science received the 7th Teruo Hiruma Opto-Science Prize from the Research Foundation for Opto-Science and Technology. The prize is awarded to researchers who have made unique and original research achievements in basic research on optical science in Japan and in research that contributes to the development of optical science and technology. Teruo Hiruma, former chairman of Hamamatsu Photonics, is famous for his outstanding foresight into the fundamentals and applications of photon science and technology, and for supporting Nobel Prize winners Masatoshi Koshiba and Takaaki Kajita's neutrino research with the development of the large photomultiplier tube in the Kamiokande.
The Teruo Hiruma Opto-Science Prize was awarded to Professor Suga for his “research on the structure and function of catalysts for water splitting and oxygen evolution involved in photosynthesis,” in recognition of his contribution to the development of clean energy technology that uses sunlight to generate hydrogen by itself, and for his expected significant contribution to the future progress of life science. Professor Suga will deliver the award lecture at the award ceremony to be held on March 4.
In accepting the award, Professor Suga said, “I am very happy to receive this prestigious prize. I have been working diligently every day with staff and students on researching what I am interested in. I am happy to have continued to be a researcher who can make what I love my life's work. On the other hand, I cannot thank enough the many collaborators, laboratory staff, and students who supported me in receiving this award. I will continue to devote myself to doing good research in the future.
Reference
Research Foundation for Opto-Science and Technology
For further information, please contact:
Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science
Professor Michihiro Suga
Phone: 086-251-7877
Professor Suga received the “Teruo Hiruma Opto-Science Prize.
