[Graduate School of Agriculture] Meiji University graduate student wins the 14th JSPS Ikushi Prize
Feb. 02, 2024
KIRINO Haru (Completed Ph.D. at Graduate School of Agriculture) has been selected as a recipient of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science’s (JSPS) 14th (2023) Ikushi Prize.
KIRINO won the award for her work on her research topic “the mechanism of pine wilt disease revealed by triadic relationship among Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, host pine tree, and vector cerambycid beetle.” Eighteen winners have been selected for the 14th Ikushi Prize, and the awarding ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Meiji Kinenkan around February.
About the winner
KIRINO Haru
Agriculture Program, Graduate School of Agriculture, Meiji University, completed her PH.D. in September 2023
Instructor: SHINYA Ryoji, Associate Professor, School of Agriculture
KIRINO’s comment
I am deeply honored to receive this outstanding award. I belong to a laboratory that specializes in microscopic worms called nematodes. The award-winning research focuses on pine wood nematodes or Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a pathogen of pine wilt (an infectious disease that kills pine trees), especially giving attention to the relationship with its host and insect vectors. By understanding the molecular interactions surrounding pine wood nematodes, we hope to contribute to the control of pine wilt, which is still raging, and also hope to elucidate the unique way nematodes live.
I received help and support from so many people that I cannot count them all. I would like to express my gratitude to my teachers, collaborators, family, friends, juniors, and all people who supported me.
I have admired senior researchers who look happy doing their research and they have encouraged me to continue my research to this point. I will continue to work hard to be a good researcher like my seniors, and by enjoying my research, I hope that I can become one of the motivators for my juniors.
Comment from the instructor (Professor SHINYA, School of Agriculture)
I was so excited to hear the news that Ms. KIRINO had won the prestigious Ikushi Prize. I am truly pleased to share this joy with you as her instructor. I would like to express my heartfelt respect for Ms. KIRINO’s enthusiasm and hard work, and I would also like to express my gratitude to the university and the teachers for their support, and to her collaborators. Ms. KIRINO’s award is the pride of Meiji University and our laboratory. We will continue to make further efforts to nurture students who will follow Ms. KIRINO and continue to support them in pursuing their own dreams. Congratulations, Ms. KIRINO!
◆About JSPS Ikushi Prize
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Ikushi Prize was established in FY 2010 to honor outstanding postdoctoral students who are expected to contribute to the development of academic research in our country in the future, aiming at enhancing their motivation for study and research, and fostering young researchers.
Subject fields: All fields of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences
Target students: Graduate students who have excellent academic performance, who are rich in humanity, and who are actively engaged in study and research activities.
Awards: The total number of awards will be approximately 16 each year, and winners will receive a certificate, a prize medal, and a supplementary prize of 1.1 million yen as academic incentives. In addition, award winners will be hired as JSPS researchers upon request from the following fiscal year.
≪Japanese version≫
KIRINO won the award for her work on her research topic “the mechanism of pine wilt disease revealed by triadic relationship among Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, host pine tree, and vector cerambycid beetle.” Eighteen winners have been selected for the 14th Ikushi Prize, and the awarding ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Meiji Kinenkan around February.
About the winner
KIRINO Haru
Agriculture Program, Graduate School of Agriculture, Meiji University, completed her PH.D. in September 2023
Instructor: SHINYA Ryoji, Associate Professor, School of Agriculture
KIRINO’s comment
I am deeply honored to receive this outstanding award. I belong to a laboratory that specializes in microscopic worms called nematodes. The award-winning research focuses on pine wood nematodes or Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a pathogen of pine wilt (an infectious disease that kills pine trees), especially giving attention to the relationship with its host and insect vectors. By understanding the molecular interactions surrounding pine wood nematodes, we hope to contribute to the control of pine wilt, which is still raging, and also hope to elucidate the unique way nematodes live.
I received help and support from so many people that I cannot count them all. I would like to express my gratitude to my teachers, collaborators, family, friends, juniors, and all people who supported me.
I have admired senior researchers who look happy doing their research and they have encouraged me to continue my research to this point. I will continue to work hard to be a good researcher like my seniors, and by enjoying my research, I hope that I can become one of the motivators for my juniors.
Comment from the instructor (Professor SHINYA, School of Agriculture)
I was so excited to hear the news that Ms. KIRINO had won the prestigious Ikushi Prize. I am truly pleased to share this joy with you as her instructor. I would like to express my heartfelt respect for Ms. KIRINO’s enthusiasm and hard work, and I would also like to express my gratitude to the university and the teachers for their support, and to her collaborators. Ms. KIRINO’s award is the pride of Meiji University and our laboratory. We will continue to make further efforts to nurture students who will follow Ms. KIRINO and continue to support them in pursuing their own dreams. Congratulations, Ms. KIRINO!
◆About JSPS Ikushi Prize
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Ikushi Prize was established in FY 2010 to honor outstanding postdoctoral students who are expected to contribute to the development of academic research in our country in the future, aiming at enhancing their motivation for study and research, and fostering young researchers.
Subject fields: All fields of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences
Target students: Graduate students who have excellent academic performance, who are rich in humanity, and who are actively engaged in study and research activities.
Awards: The total number of awards will be approximately 16 each year, and winners will receive a certificate, a prize medal, and a supplementary prize of 1.1 million yen as academic incentives. In addition, award winners will be hired as JSPS researchers upon request from the following fiscal year.
≪Japanese version≫
Related links