Two faculty members and one technical staff from Kanazawa University have been received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award in the field of science and technology in 2025.
The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award in the field of science and technology is given annually by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology with the aim of improving the motivation of those involved in science and technology and contributing to the improvement of the level of science and technology in Japan by honoring those who have made remarkable achievements in research, development and promotion of understanding of science and technology.
The awardees and their achievements are as follows:
<Young Scientists Award>
Awarding to young researchers under the age of 40 who have made outstanding research achievements that demonstrate high-level research and development capabilities, such as pioneering research or research based on original perspectives.
?Ayumu Sumino Nano Life Science Institute, Assistant Professor●
［Title] High-speed atomic force microscopy to study the mechanism of ion channel operation
Ion channels are essential molecules for living organisms, and their functions and structures have been extensively analyzed in order to elucidate their mechanisms of action. However, due to technical difficulties, the nanoscale structural dynamics within the membrane remain unknown in most cases.
Assistant Professor Sumino observed ion channels using a high-speed atomic force microscope, which can observe the structural dynamics of biomolecules with high spatiotemporal resolution. To ensure a high success rate in observing ion channels, which is difficult to do, she developed a versatile sample preparation method, which enabled her to successfully visualize the dynamics of the membranes of voltage-dependent Na? channels, which are necessary for the generation of action potentials, and spicy taste receptor channels, and she discovered unknown structural changes and intermolecular interactions one after another.
The results of this research will contribute to the complete elucidation of the mechanism of complex channel operation, and it is expected that it will lead to the treatment of channel disease in the future.
?●Mamadova Aida International Center for Research and Education of Japan Studies, Associate Professor
［Title] Research on intergenerational learning in Japanese eco-parks and geoparks
In Japan's UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (Eco-Parks) and UNESCO Global Geoparks, the declining birthrate and aging population pose challenges for both regional revitalization and environmental conservation. Especially for the sustainable development of the region, the collaboration of young people and the elderly, as well as the participation of residents, is necessary.
Professor Mamadova utilized these regions to implement ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) for international students. Over 450 international students learned alongside local residents, establishing a system where the residents acted as 'teachers' to convey knowledge. Additionally, in collaboration with local governments, a new learning model was created where the entire village functioned as a 'university'.
The results of this research are highly regarded internationally as they promote the empowerment of local residents and establish a new model for sustainable local development. Additionally, this research has received the UNESCO-Japan ESD Prize, and it is expected to be applicable in more regions in the future.
＜Research Support Award＞
Awarding to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions through advanced and specialized technical efforts to promote research and development, recognized for their outstanding achievements in the advancement of science and technology and the creation of research and development results.
?● Shozo Ogiso Engineering and Technology Department, Technical Specialist
［Title] Contribution to various research through diving, navigation, and sample preparation techniques.
At the coastal research facility, which serves as a shared utilization base, the safe implementation of diverse research and education is required. On the other hand, working with diving and research vessels involves life-threatening dangers. To balance safety management with the execution of research, high diving and navigation skills are necessary, along with support for improving the skills of researchers and students. AIn addition, new research training vessels and specimen preparation techniques are needed.
Technical specialist Ogiso supported various research activities through underwater sample installation, biological and sediment collection, and observation using diving and navigation techniques. Additionally, he provided safety management guidance to students, conducting 175 dives and 214 onboard operations over five years, contributing to human resource development. Furthermore, in ship upgrades, he devised equipment to meet diverse needs and developed plastination techniques for specimens that matched the structure of the organisms.
This achievement contributed to industrial development related to regional development, such as the development of cultured fish and the acquisition of a patent for deep-sea water, as well as to awards for papers and conference presentations, and contributed to the development of research in many fields. The new research training ship has expanded the role of the seaside experimental facility, supporting research in the areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. The specimens developed through technical development are used in lectures, museums, and other educational activities, contributing to the development of marine education.
? Announcement of the recipients of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award 2025 in the field of science and technology
? Aspiration #11 Mamadova Aida "Contributing to the development of the local community"
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