On March 17, the 50^th Award Presentation of TSF took place at the Industry Club of Japan in Tokyo, with about 180 guests and awards-related attendees present.

Winners of the Toray Science and Technology Prize, Dr. Teruya Shinjo and Dr. Norihiro Okada, and recipients of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award, as well as school teachers who won the Toray Science Education Prize received testimonials, medals, and prize money. Ten recipients of Toray Science and Technology Grants were presented a total of 130 million yen in grant funding.

Dr. Katsunosuke Maeda, President of TSF and Honorary Chairman of Toray Industries, Inc. made a speech emphasizing the importance of developing human resources and promoting basic research in the fields of science and technology, as well as harmony between man and nature. Then he reminded recipients and attendees saying, “It is the responsibility of scientists and engineers to anticipate the negative effects of highly sophisticated science and technology that ordinary people can hardly understand, and to find the solutions to any problems. I expect all of you to utilize your knowledge and closely cooperate with social scientists as well as with natural scientists to contribute to society.” We had the honor of having Mr. Tatsuo Kawabata, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology at the party following the ceremony.