Oct. 31, 2012
Shun-ichi Amari designated Person of Cultural Merit
Dr. Shun-ichi Amari, Senior Advisor of the RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI), has been designated as one of the Persons of Cultural Merit for 2012. Dr. Amari was an early advocate of the importance of mathematical engineering as a foundation for engineering, and has written many highly influential publications in the international community of statistical sciences and information theory. He is recognized as the founder of the field of information geometry and for his pioneering contributions to the neural network theory of brain function. He also made great contributions to advancing Japanese science and technology as Director of the RIKEN Brain Science Institute.
The award ceremony will be held on November 5.
Comment from Dr. Shun-ichi Amari
This came to me as a great surprise, as I never thought I would be chosen. I have always done basic research based on my own interests, but nevertheless I am grateful that the minor field of mathematical neuroscience and mathematical engineering has received recognition. I am just an old man now, and I will continue to indulge myself in some research and my hobbies, trying to stay out of the way of the young people who follow.