Pinnacles of Intellect: Paving the Way for Future Research at Kyoto University

Kyoto University Lectureship Award 2025
[Life Sciences or Medicine]

Laureate

Award Citation

For the discovery that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) serves as a fundamental principle of intracellular spatial organization.

Background

Education
・Harvard University Ph.D in Applied Physics, June 2007
・Carnegie Mellon University BS in Materials Science & Engineering, minor in Physics, with University Honors, May 2001

Professional Appointments
・Professor, Princeton University (2019–present)
・HHMI Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2018–present)
・Marine Biological Laboratory (2024–present）
・Associate Professor, Princeton University (2017-2019)
・Assistant Professor, Princeton University (2011-2017)
・Max Planck Institutes for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics & MPI for Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany (2007-2010）

Awards
・Keio Medical Science Prize, 2025
・Breakthrough Prize for Life Sciences, 2023
・HFSP Nakasone Award, 2021
・Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences, 2020
and many others

Research Summary

In addition to classical membrane-bound compartments such as the nucleus and mitochondria, cells also contain membraneless assemblies. Dr. Brangwynne demonstrated that the physical principle of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)—previously described in physics—also operates in living cells, explaining the formation of such biomolecular condensates.

This discovery overturned the long-standing dogma that cellular compartments must be membrane-bound, introducing a paradigm shift in our understanding of intracellular spatial organization.

LLPS has since become recognized as a unifying concept underlying diverse phenomena, including the nucleolus, stress granules, transcriptional condensates, and postsynaptic densities. It has also provided fundamental insight into neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, reshaping textbooks of cell biology.

Selection Highlights

• Originality in capturing phenomena overlooked by conventional biology through the lens of physics.
• Demonstration that LLPS functions within living cells, establishing a new paradigm for cellular organization.
• Provision of a theoretical framework explaining diverse biological processes—from gene regulation and memory to neurodegenerative disease.
• Recognition of a fundamental and forward-looking discovery achieved in early career, followed by leadership in establishing an entirely new field of study.

Selection Committee 2025

Chair

• Dr. Mitinori Saitou – Professor, Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Graduate School of Medicine

Vice-Chair

• Dr. Yasunori Hayashi – Professor, Graduate School of Medicine

Members (alphabetical order)

• Dr. Tatsushi Igaki – Professor, Graduate School of Biostudies
• Dr. Seishi Ogawa – Professor, Graduate School of Medicine
• Dr. Mineko Kengaku – Professor, iCeMS, Institute for Advanced Study
• Dr. Yoshiko Takahashi – Professor, Graduate School of Science
• Dr. Ryosuke Takahashi – Program-Specific Professor, Office of Research Acceleration (Professor Emeritus, Graduate School of Medicine)
• Dr. Junko Takita – Professor, Graduate School of Medicine
• Dr. Osamu Takeuchi – Professor, Graduate School of Medicine
• Dr. Masao Doi – Professor, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Dr. Yasuhiro Murakawa – Professor, Graduate School of Medicine
• Dr. Daisuke Yabe – Professor, Graduate School of Medicine

About the Kyoto University Lectureship Award

The Kyoto University Lectureship Award is a newly established international academic honor launched in fiscal year 2025. Rooted in the university’s distinguished tradition—including having produced the highest number of Nobel Laureates in Asia—this award recognizes outstanding and emerging researchers who are pioneering the next frontiers of science, while fostering international research networks and advancing the sustainable growth of global scholarship.

A defining feature of this award is the invitation extended to laureates to visit Kyoto, deliver a special lecture, and engage in dialogue and exchange. By bringing the laureates into contact with the next generation of researchers at the forefront of academia, the program forges a chain of new inspirations and nurtures the seeds of future-shaping research.

In addition, the laureates are honored at a ceremony hosted by the President of Kyoto University.

Selection Philosophy

The selection process focuses on researchers who embody the following qualities.

• Researchers who are pioneering the frontiers of their disciplines and shaping new fields of inquiry.
• Researchers who address fundamental questions and advance scholarship while contributing to the resolution of significant societal challenges.

In particular, a comprehensive assessment is made with consideration given to the following aspects of the research.

• Pioneering Nature
  Opening new frontiers of knowledge and shaping the intellectual origins of a discipline through original research that either explores uncharted territory or revitalizes existing fields.
• Fundamental Impact
  Producing work with the potential to transform academic paradigms or exert a profound influence on humanity and society in the future.
• Elegance and Prospects
  Advancing theories or methodologies that are recognized for their conceptual elegance, while holding strong promise for future development and application.
• Emerging Recognition
  Demonstrating achievements that are already gaining solid recognition, ensuring evaluation is grounded in established merit rather than speculative prediction.

Selection Process

A selection committee composed of leading Kyoto University scholars ensures a rigorous and independent review process. Details of the committee will be made publicly available on the official website following the award announcement on October 4, 2025.

With Gratitude to Our Supporters

This award is made possible through the generous support of the following corporations and organizations. (Listed in no particular order.)

Sponsors

The following sponsors have generously contributed to support the operation of the award, the award ceremony, and the invitation of laureates to Kyoto.

Hospitality Partners

We gratefully acknowledge the companies and organizations that provide accommodations, venues, and services in support of the hospitality extended to laureates and participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Kyoto University Lectureship award?

The award is conferred upon early- to mid-career researchers who are expected to make significant contributions on the global stage. Nominees are recommended by Kyoto University faculty members and selected through a rigorous deliberation process by the committee. The award does not accept open applications or public nominations.

Will fields other than life sciences or medicine be included in the future?

While the inaugural award focuses on the field of life sciences or medicine, the scope of future awards may be expanded to other academic disciplines.

How often will the award be presented?

The award is scheduled to be presented approximately once a year. Further details will be announced as they become available.

Contact

Kyoto University Lectureship Award Secretariat
lectureship-award＊mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp
(Please replace ＊ with @ when sending your message.)