2018 Shimadzu Prize goes to Yoshihiko Kanemitsu of the Institute for Chemical Research (4 December 2018)

On 4 December, the Shimadzu Science Foundation announced Professor Yoshihiko Kanemitsu of the Institute for Chemical Research (ICR) as the recipient of the 2018 Shimadzu Prize.

Established in 1981 and now in its 38th year, the Shimadzu Prize annually honors outstanding scholars who have made significant contributions to pure and applied research in science and technology, especially in fields involving scientific measurement.

Professor Kanemitsu is cited for his contributions to the "luminescence-spectroscopic elucidation and application of semiconductors' novel optical properties". He discovered luminescence phenomena in nano-structured semiconductors, such as silicon, and through studies using his proprietary measurement and analysis equipment, helped identify the materials' quantum state and advance fundamental understanding of their optical properties and functions. His research has also had significant practical impact, potentially aiding the development of higher-efficiency LEDs and solar cells. The 2018 Shimadzu Prize was awarded to Professor Kanemitsu in recognition of these wide-ranging academic and practical contributions.

The award ceremony and commemorative lecture are scheduled to take place 15 February 2019 at the Kyoto Hotel Okura.