Professor Takashi Ooi of the Graduate School of Engineering has been awarded the 25th Japan IBM Science Prize in the field of chemistry. The Japan IBM Science Prize was created in 1987 by IBM Japan Co. Ltd to promote academic research in scientific fields in Japan and to contribute to the development of young researchers. The prize is presented to researchers up the age of 45, affiliated with universities and public research institutions in Japan, and engaged in distinguished fundamental research activities in the fields of physics, chemistry, computer science (including bioinformatics), and electronics (including bioelectronics).
Professor Ooi received this prize for his development of a theory for understanding the overall structure of ion pairs and their relationship with catalytic functions, and presenting new guiding principles for developing reactions for organic molecular catalysts. These catalysts were developed by precisely designing organic ion pairs referred to as onium salts, deriving excellent active properties as molecular catalysts, as well as stereocontrol properties, and linking this to development of a new process for synthesizing high-value-added compounds.
The award ceremony was held starting at 1:30 pm on Thursday, December 1st, 2011 at the Gakushi Kaikan (3-28 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo). Professor Ooi also spoke about his research.
Announcement released on Professor Ooi winning 25th Japan IBM Science Prize