The Okawa Prize, Okawa Publications Prize and Research Grant Presentation Ceremony was held on November 7, 2018 at ANA InterContinental Tokyo.
Dr. Fumio Koyama (Director-General, Institute of Innovative Research, Professor, Laboratory for Future Interdisciplinary Research of Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology) and Dr. Constance Chang-Hasnain (Associate Dean for Strategic Alliances, College of Engineering, John R. Whinnery Distinguished Chair Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley) won the 2018 Okawa Prize for their contributions to research, development and industrial applications of technology in the field of VCSEL Photonics.
*For careers and achievements of the Okawa Prize winners, click here
 Dr. Fumio Koyama |
 Dr. Constance Chang-Hasnain |
On November 8, the following day of the ceremony, International Symposium titled “Evolution of VCSEL Photonics –Present and Future-” in commemoration of winning the Okawa Prize was held co-hosted by Tokyo Institute of Technology and the Okawa Foundation. In the symposium, Dr. Chang-Hasnain and Dr. Koyama gave commemorative lectures and renowned researches from the world talked about their researches.
*For the symposium report click here
"Artifical Intelligence vs. Children who can’t read textbooks" (authored by Dr. Noriko Arai, published by Toyo Keizai Inc.) and "Quantum Computing" (authored by Dr. Tomoyuki Morimae, published by Morikita Publishing Co., Ltd.) received the 2018 Okawa Publications Prize. "Artifical Intelligence vs. Children who can’t read textbooks" corrects overconfidence and misunderstanding in AI in parallel with also explaining realistic problem of the educational system and future issues in education. "Quantum Computing" observes the various aspects of quantum computing by cross-examining each theories of Physical Science and Mathematical Science.
 "Artifical Intelligence vs. Children who can’t read textbooks" |
 "Quantum Computing" |
24 researchers from Japan and 7 researchers from China and South Korea received the Okawa Research Grant this year.
 Dr. Michiko Ogaku, Nagasaki University |
To open the presentation ceremony, Mr. Shusei Tanaka, Visiting Professor of Fukuyama University, gave a lecture titled ” Overview of HEISEI Era: Contemporary Politics and Economy.”
With the aim of advancing further development of information technology and promoting international academic and cultural exchanges, the Okawa Foundation will continue the activities of awarding prizes and research grants.