The Okawa Prize, Okawa Publications Prize and Research Grant Presentation Ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Okawa Foundation was held on March 1, 2017 at ANA InterContinental Tokyo.
Dr. Hideo Aiso (Professor Emeritus, Keio University) and Dr. John L. Hennessy (President Emeritus, Stanford University) won the Okawa Prize 2016 for their contributions to research in computer architecture (fundamental structure of a computer) and leadership in higher education.
*For more information on their career and achievements, click here.
 Dr. Hideo Aiso |
 Dr. John L. Hennessy |
The winners of the Okawa Prize 2016 appeared in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper on March 2, 2017.
The 2016 Okawa Prize Commemorative Symposium was held on March 2 at Fujiwara Memorial Hall, Keio University Hiyoshi Campus by Keio University and the Okawa Foundation and the winners gave commemorative lectures.
*For more information on the commemorative symposium, click here.
"Neuro-Evolution and Deep Learning" (authored by Dr. Hitoshi Iba, published by Ohmsha Ltd.) and "Internet by Design –The Delivery of Smart Social and Industrial Infrastructure in the 21st Century" (authored by Dr. Hiroshi Esaki, published by University of Tokyo Press) received the Okawa Publications Prize 2016.
"Neuro-Evolution and Deep Learning" gives an account on the development, achievements and further problems of deep learning in AI research from the viewpoint of neuro-evolution. "Internet by Design” discusses the essential characteristics of digitalization and Internet from diverse perspectives, then explains their impact on the society and the economy and the future vision.
 "Neuro-Evolution and Deep Learning" |
 "Internet by Design –The Delivery of Smart Social and Industrial Infrastructure in the 21st Century" |
The Okawa Research Grant was awarded to 26 researchers in Japan and 7 researchers from China and South Korea.
 Dr. Sachiko Morimoto, Sendai Shirayuri Women’s College |
In the presentation ceremony, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Okawa Foundation, harp performance by Ms. Eiko Masui and a lecture titled ”Brain, Life and Mind” by Dr. Takeshi Yoro (Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo) were given.
 Ms. Eiko Masui |
 Dr. Takeshi Yoro, Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo |
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.