Professor Ryuta Kawashima at Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University was awarded 2009 Inoue Harushige Prize by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST.) The prize is awarded to researchers or businesses whose outstanding achievements in technologies that have contributed to developing Science and Technology, economies, and improving public welfare in Japan. Businesses has developed and corporatized the technologies based on research results conducted by Universities and Institutions.

The reason to be awarded is “Brain Science and Education.” Professor Kawashima has vitalized frontal association area in the cerebrum, developed nondrug treatment (learning therapy) to maintain and improve the functions in the area, and succeeded in promoting treatment and prevention of dementia. The research results are expected to help contributing to the structural reform in the declining birthrate and the aging society.

The award ceremony will be held at Keidanren Kaikan, Tokyo on July 15, 2009.