On 13 November, Kyoto University and the Inamori Foundation co-hosted the 31st Kyoto Prize Forum for High School Students in the University's Clock Tower Centennial Hall, with Professor Emeritus Michel Mayor of the University of Geneva as the featured speaker.
The forum is one of several educational events -- called Youth Development Programs -- that the Inamori Foundation organizes for elementary school to university students during the annual Kyoto Prize Week. Kyoto University hosts some of these events jointly with the Foundation.
Prior to the event, Professor Emeritus Mayor, who had received the 2015 Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences in the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences, met with two Inamori Foundation officials -- Managing Director Shoichi Himono and Deputy Secretary-General Kazuhito Himeda -- as well as Professor Kayo Inaba, Kyoto University's Executive Vice-President for Gender Equality, International Affairs, and Public Relations.
Following the opening remarks by Deputy Secretary-General Himeda, the Swiss astrophysicist delivered his lecture, titled "Physics: A Fantastic Tool to Study the Universe", to a rapt audience of around 450 local high school students.
The subsequent Q&A session saw active participation from the students, engaging Dr Mayor in a lively discussion.
The highly vibrant event was brought to a close with an address by Executive Vice-President Inaba.
Professor Emeritus Mayor delivering his lecture
Executive Vice-President Inaba greeting the audience
From left: Deputy Secretary-General Himeda, Professor Emeritus Mayor, Executive Vice-President Inaba, and Managing Director Himono
The forum venue
