The Kyoto Prize is an international award to honour those who have contributed significantly to the scientific, cultural, and spiritual betterment of humankind. The awards are held annually in November, in Kyoto, Japan. The Laureates travel to Oxford in the following May for the Kyoto Prize at Oxford hosted by the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the 2020 event has been postponed to 11-12 May 2021.
Laureates
Ching W Tang
Dr Tang studied light emission processes in electrically-driven organic materials and invented a new device structure in which two carefully-selected materials were stacked, allowing for high-efficiency light emission at low drive voltages. This pioneering work has led to the practical use of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and their widespread application in displays and lighting.
Kyoto Prize award category: Advanced Technology — Material Science and Engineering
James Gunn
Dr Gunn led the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, which produced a three-dimensional digital cosmic map encompassing a broad region. He played a leading role in the project, including planning, instrument development, and data analysis, and contributed to the elucidation of the evolutionary history of the universe. He also published many pioneering astrophysical theories. Through these achievements, he has contributed significantly to the understanding of the universe.
Kyoto Prize award category: Basic Sciences — Earth and Planetary Sciences, Astronomy and Astrophysics
Ariane Mnouchkine
Mrs Mnouchkine, the founder and director of the Théâtre du Soleil, has been continuously producing masterpieces with historical and political themes. Referring to traditional performances of both the East and the West, she has been innovating theatrical expressions. Her collaborative creations are based on the methodology of her unique theatrical organisation, which eschews hierarchical order.
Kyoto Prize award category: Arts and Philosophy — Theatre, Cinema
