On February 9, Okayama University honored two young researchers who have made outstanding contributions in their field by bestowing them with the “Okayama University Young Top Researchers”. A ceremony took place to honor Associate Professor TSUCHIGUCHI Fuminori of the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences for his work in the field of humanities and Assistant Professor FUJIMURA Atsushi of the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences for his work in the field of science.

Associate Professor Tsuchiguchi has been recognized for his high-quality and in-depth research on document-administration systems recording centralization that occurred in local areas in Ancient China based on recently excavated bamboo and wooden slips dated to the Qin and Han dynasties, bringing heretofore unknown information to light. He has also actively participated in international exchange by organizing multiple symposiums.

Assistant Professor Fujimura has contributed to cancer research area by his findings of the importance of tRNA modification enzymes that affect cancer stem cell fate decision by acting on tRNA, which is a key molecule for protein synthesis machinery and can be linked to cancer progression. His research team has been developing future preventative therapies aimed at targeting tRNA modification enzyme activities in individuals as risk for cancer. His active promotion of joint research with pharmaceutical companies, as well as his contribution to patient stratification technology and the development of innovative preparation methods to conduct a tumor selective therapy known as boron neutron capture therapy have been highly praised.

President MAKINO Hirofumi and Vice President and Executive Director for Research NASU Yasutomo attended the award ceremony. President Makino presented the award winners with a certificate of commendation and a commemorative gift, saying, “As members of Okayama University, which is a research university promoting the SDGs, I hope that you will accept your position of responsibility as young leaders of the next generation by increasing your social and international activities, and that you will continue to contribute towards the development of this university.”

The award was established in 2007 to foster young researchers who can play on a global stage. Award winners are carefully decided on evaluation criteria such as research results, external funding acquisition and future potential.