 |
|
Supporting Academic Advancement and Research |
|
|
| The Kyoto Prize |
|
Using his own funds, Inamori established the Inamori Foundation in 1984, based on his lifelong belief that "people have no higher calling than to strive for the greater good of humankind and society." In keeping this conviction, the foundation recognizes persons who have made outstanding contributions to the progress of science, the advancement of civilization, and the enrichment and elevation of the human spirit. It also supports excellent research and contributes to social enlightenment.
One year later, in 1985, the Kyoto Prize was inaugurated as an international program of public recognition and a primary activity of the Inamori Foundation.
The Kyoto Prize is an international award to annually honor those who have made significant contributions in one of three categories: Advanced Technology, Basic Sciences, and Arts and Philosophy. The awards ceremony is held in Kyoto every year on November 10. This date generally coincides with the peak of the autumn foliage, providing a lavish backdrop for the festivities. During the week of the Kyoto Prize Presentation Ceremony, a variety of events are held, such as commemorative lectures, workshops and special classes at local high schools.
The most significant aspect of the Kyoto Prize is to recognize those who have contributed to progress, not only in the sciences, but also in the spiritual research of the human being, through the Arts and Philosophy category. Another characteristic is that it also recognizes not just discovery and invention, but also extraordinary contributions to humankind and society over an extended period, something which requires exceptional dedication.
Additionally, the Kyoto Prize Symposium lecture series is held annually in San Diego at the University of San Diego, San Diego State University and University of California San Diego.
|
|
  |
| Kyoto International Culture Forum |
|
In order to seek the knowledge that we all share as human beings, the Kyoto International Culture Forum was held in Kyoto. It explored the essence of kokoro - the hearts and minds of humanity which are common across geography and throughout history.
Inamori assumed the presidency of the Kyoto International Culture Forum Organization Committee since the committee's inception in 2003 until 2008. Lectures, forums, workshops and other events took place with a diversified assembly of invited guests from many countries.
|
|
 |
| Las Campanas Observatory Telescope |
|
The Carnegie Institution of Washington (U.S.A.) promotes world-class academic research and advanced education in the areas of biology, astronomy and geosciences. Inamori was a trustee from 1990 to 2002; he has been a trustee emeritus since 2002.
The Carnegie Institution of Washington consulted Inamori on a project to install the world's largest reflecting telescope. Inamori agreed with the overarching principle of pursuing new theory related to the birth of universe, and offered assistance through Kyocera, Daini-Denden (currently KDDI) and his own personal contributions. The 6.5-meter telescope was built at the Las Campanas Observatory in the Chilean Andes, at an elevation of 2,300 meters in the Andes. In appreciation of his support, the Carnegie Institution of Washington named the two spectrographs "The Inamori Magellan Areal Camera and Spectrograph" and "The Magellan Inamori Kyocera Echelle Spectrograph." Installation was completed in 2000 and the telescope has been contributing to the progress and development of astronomy ever since.
|
|
 |
| Inamori Auditorium at Kagoshima University |
|
In 1994, Inamori donated funds to construct the Inamori Auditorium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Engineering at Kagoshima University, from where Inamori graduated.
The auditorium was built for a wide range of activities, including university academic functions and community cultural activities.
The Inamori Auditorium was designed by Professor Tadao Ando in the shape of an egg to symbolize a microcosm where the life of new creation dwells.
This building represents Inamori's wishes that young people, on whose shoulders the next generation rests, will fly out from Kagoshima University into the world.
|
|
 |
| Shirankaikan, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University |
|
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the university's founding, the Faculty of Medicine at Kyoto University decided to build a facility in order to collaborate with the community and advance medical education. Inamori accepted a donation request from Kyoto University on this project.
Construction was completed in 1999 and the new facility was named "Shirankaikan." On the second floor of this building there is a hall, named "The Inamori Hall," which can accommodate 250 people for lectures, symposiums and other events.
|
|
 |
| Inamori Center Building at Kyushu University |
|
Kyushu University will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2011. Kyocera and the Inamori Foundation agreed to work with Kyushu University to create new educational research facilities which will contribute to the development of humankind and society.
The Inamori Center Building, donated by the Inamori Foundation, was completed on August 31, 2009. The Inamori Frontier Research Center was established as a research facility; Kyocera will contribute to part of its operating costs for five years.
The center is a four-story building. The first floor includes Inamori Hall, an auditorium for academic and cultural exchanges; and the Kyoto Prize Library, which will feature exhibits introducing the activities of the Inamori Foundation to the public. The Inamori Frontier Research Center is located on the second through fourth floors. It will facilitate state-of-the-art technology research and education in areas such as energy, the environment and information-communication technology in order to provide peace, safety and comfort for the people of the 21st century.
|
|
  |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
Supporting Academic Advancement and Research |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
