Professor Keiichi Hirano from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University has been selected as the recipient of the Philipp Franz von Siebold Prize for 2025.
The Philipp Franz von Siebold Prize was established in 1978 by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany. The prize is awarded annually to one internationally acclaimed Japanese researcher under the age of 50 who has made a particular contribution to mutual understanding between Japan and Germany. The laureate, Professor Hirano, will receive the Siebold Prize certificate in person from the President of the Federal Republic of Germany at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin during the annual meeting of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (*1). Professor Hirano will also receive an individual prize money of �80,000 and the opportunity to carry out a research project of his choice at a German research institution.
Professor Hirano specializes in synthetic organic chemistry and is conducting ongoing research aimed at developing innovative methods for synthesizing pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules by utilizing elements that have rarely been used in drug discovery. His work also focuses on creating unprecedented chemical structures and exploring their functions.
Professor Hirano commented, “Our synthetic chemistry methods, which we have developed over the years, were highly recognized for their potential in manufacturing, including drug discovery as well as for the uniqueness of my career as a researcher. This award is thanks to my mentors who nurtured and guided me, my collaborators, and all those who have shared time with me both within and beyond the realm of research. I would like to express my gratitude and share this joy with them. Moving forward, I hope to continue exploring science together with students and faculty members, and to enjoy the journey of discovery.”
This marks the first time someone from the fields of pharmaceutical sciences and synthetic organic chemistry has received this award, and it is also the first time a faculty member from our university has been honored.
Professor Hirano
*1 ：
For more information on the Philipp Franz von Siebold Prize, please check the details below.
https://www.daad.jp/ja/2025/04/16/sieboldpreis-preistraeger-2025/
Click here to see the press release【Japanese only】
Researcher's Information：Keiichi Hirano
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