Professor Ma Jian Feng at Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR) of Okayama University received the Medal with Purple Ribbon in the autumn of 2022. The Medal with Purple Ribbon is a national medal given to individuals who have made inventions and discoveries in the fields of science and technology, as well as outstanding achievements in the fields of academics, sports, art, and culture.

Professor Ma was selected to receive the Medal with Purple Ribbon in recognition of his research achievements in plant nutrition and physiology. Plants need a wide variety of transporters to transport mineral nutrients essential for their growth from soil to plant tissues. On the other hand, toxic elements such as cadmium and arsenic present in soil are also accumulated in edible parts by transporters and affect our health. Therefore, the elucidation of the transport mechanism of minerals has attracted attention as an important issue related not only to crop productivity and quality, but also to our health. Professor Ma has conducted research on mineral transport mechanisms mainly in crops (rice, barley, buckwheat, etc.) for many years, and was the first in the world to identify numerous mineral transporters and elucidate their control mechanisms. The medalrecognizes his significant contribution to the development of agricultural research in Japan.

Upon receiving the medal, Professor Ma said, "I am deeply honored to receive the Medal with Purple Ribbon. I believe that my hard work and steady efforts have led to this medal. Encouraged by this medal, I would like to devote myself even more to my work in the future.