KYOTO, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is now accepting applications for the 2014 Kyoto Prize Fall Journalism Fellowship, a program that provides an exceptional learning opportunity for journalists seeking to further their knowledge and depth of reporting in technology, science and the arts. The selected journalist will travel to Kyoto, Japan to attend the 30th Annual Kyoto Prize Award Ceremony, lectures and workshops November 10-12.
During the program, the journalist will have opportunities to meet and interview the 2014 laureates of the Kyoto Prize, Japan’s highest private award for global achievement. The fellowship experience is intended to enhance the journalist’s ability to report on fields influenced by the latest laureates, to gain an historical context of the laureates’ contributions and to better understand the global impact of continued innovation in each field. The application deadline is Friday, September 5, 2014.
The fellowship, open to North American journalists, covers transportation, accommodations, and per-diem expenses. A selection committee comprised of journalistic and academic professionals will announce the 2014 Fall Journalism Fellow on September 19, 2014. Applications with complete details are available online.
“This is the 30th year of the Kyoto Prize, which awards individuals at the top of their fields in science, technology and the arts, recognizing many who have made unrivaled contributions to mankind, as is the case with this year’s impressive laureates,” said Dr. Bob Brower, president, PLNU. “The fellowship gives journalists unique access to these laureates when they receive their recognition at the November ceremony in Kyoto, Japan.”
The Kyoto Prize is given to individuals and groups worldwide who have made outstanding contributions to humankind’s scientific, cultural and spiritual development. Each laureate receives a diploma, a 20-karat-gold Kyoto Prize medal, and prize money of 50 million yen (approximately US$500,000) per category.
The 2014 Kyoto Prize Laureates are:
Biomedical engineer Dr. Robert Langer, 65, an MIT Institute Professor, is a founder of the field of tissue engineering and creator of revolutionary drug delivery system (DDS) technologies. Tissue engineering is indispensable to regenerative medicine. Dr. Langer’s technique applies biodegradable polymer technologies to construct “scaffolds” for cell growth, contributing to the regeneration of tissues and organs. He has also developed DDS technologies for the controlled release of proteins, nucleic acids, and other macromolecular drugs.
Theoretical physicist Dr. Edward Witten, 62, is a Charles Simonyi Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study who has served as a leader in the dramatic evolution of superstring theory for more than 30 years. Superstring theory seeks to unify scientific understanding of the various physical forces that exist within the universe, offering promise to create what physicists have termed a “theory of everything” — one all-encompassing theoretical framework that provides an integrative perspective of how our universe is constructed. Dr. Witten’s work has advanced not only the study of physics, but also mathematics, inspiring new and cutting-edge research by mathematicians worldwide.
Artist Ms. Fukumi Shimura, 89, has demonstrated artistic creativity for over half a century in her work with tsumugi kimonos. One characteristic of her work is her insistence on using very particular colors and plant dyes to unleash her imagination, improvising an infinite resonance of colors over canvases of tsumugi kimonos. To create a wide variety of natural hues, she has constantly communicated with nature, deeply meditating “to weave human existence into nature.” She remains actively engaged in all aspects of her art, dedicating great effort to educating the younger generation.
About Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University is a selective Christian liberal arts institution located in San Diego, California. Founded in 1902, PLNU is known not only for its 90-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean but also for its well-rounded, forward-thinking graduates. In addition to more than 60 undergraduate areas of study, PLNU offers graduate program regional centers throughout Southern California. PLNU serves more than 3,500 students. The Kyoto Prize Journalism Fellowship is an equal-opportunity program awarded exclusively on the basis of merit without regard to personal or religious affiliations or attributes.
About the Inamori Foundation and the Kyoto Prize
The Kyoto Prize is an international award bestowed by the non-profit Inamori Foundation to honor those who have contributed significantly to the scientific, cultural, and spiritual betterment of humankind. With the 2014 laureates, the prize has honored 96 individuals and one foundation — collectively representing 16 nations. Individual laureates range from scientists, engineers and researchers to philosophers, painters, architects, sculptors, musicians and film directors.
