Professor Toshio Ando (Distinguished Professor of Kanazawa University) has received the Leo Esaki Prize.
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Judging Committee for the 2024 Leo Esaki Prize convened and selected Professor Toshio Ando, a specially appointed professor at Nano Life Science Institute (also Emeritus Professor, Distinguished Professor of Kanazawa University), as this year’s recipient.
The Leo Esaki Prize is awarded annually to researchers at Japanese institutions whose work in nanoscience, nanotechnology, or related quantum-effect physics has opened new frontiers and garnered high international acclaim. Professor Ando was recognized for his pioneering development of high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM).
Professor Ando commented: “I was completely surprised, as I had not expected to win at all, but I am deeply honored to receive such a prestigious award. I believe this recognition reflects the high regard for the high-speed AFM microscopy I developed and for my research into its applications in biology.
Proteins at the nanoscale are macromolecules essential to all biological processes, yet the mechanisms underlying their functions are not fully understood. This is mainly because it has been impossible to observe protein molecules in action as video images in a liquid environment. High-speed AFM has made this feasible for the first time, allowing us to observe the dynamic behavior of proteins and DNA, thereby deepening our understanding of biological phenomena.
The journey was not easy, but thanks to the dedication of many colleagues and students, we achieved our goals. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of them once again.”
The award ceremony will take place at the Tsukuba International Congress Center in February or March 2025.