The winners of the 31st ROHTO AWARD research grants have been decided.

What is the ROHTO AWARD?

overview

Established by Rohto Pharmaceutical in 1995, this award is given to young ophthalmology researchers at Japanese universities and equivalent research institutions, with the aim of promoting and advancing ophthalmology research in Japan. After rigorous and fair screening by a selection committee consisting of seven renowned ophthalmologists, two researchers conducting outstanding research are awarded a plaque and a prize (3 million yen per person, per award). Highly regarded among ophthalmology researchers as an award that purely supports research, many recipients have gone on to devote themselves to academic research as professors, and the award has now grown into a prestigious stepping stone for young researchers, known as a gateway to success.

Features

This award is given to a young researcher who has achieved great results in both basic and clinical research.
The award spotlights researchers who are not limited to their field of expertise, but who are also well-versed in surgery and patient data and have excellent character, and who literally carry the future of ophthalmology on their shoulders.The fact that recipients of the award have led to dramatic growth and has produced talented individuals who will lead the academic world is a major achievement that makes use of the unique characteristics of this award.

31st Award Winners

• Special Lecturer, Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University

  ​Masayuki Hata​

  "Changes in innate immune responses shaped by aging and living environment: Towards a new understanding of the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration"

• Associate Professor, Department of Ocular Imaging, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University

  ​Masato Akiyama​

  "Ophthalmology Driven by Genomes: Challenges in Elucidating Disease Mechanisms and Precision Medicine"