Hiroko Bannai of RIKEN Brain Science Institute receives JSPS Prize

Hiroko Bannai, a visiting scientist at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute and PRESTO Researcher of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), has been selected to receive the prestigious JSPS Prize this year for her work on the single molecule imaging approach to mechanisms underlying brain function. The awards ceremony will be held in February.

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Bannai said, "I am extremely honored to receive the JSPS prize.I would like to thank RIKEN's people and research environment for encouraging me to perform independent and original research."

The JSPS Prize, which was established in fiscal 2004 by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, aims to recognize and support young researchers with rich creativity and superlative research ability at an early stage in their careers. It is awarded to researchers under the age of 45. This year, it was given to 25 recipients in all areas of humanities, social science, and natural science.

Dr. Bannai's work is highlighted in the press release on December 18 (2015), the press release on June 12 (2009), and the research highlight on August 10 (2012).