The Winners of the Fourth Marie Sklodowska Curie Award

Grand Prize

FUJISHIRO Yukako

RIKEN ECL Unit Leader, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science & Pioneering Research Institute
Extreme Quantum Matter Physics RIKEN ECL Research Unit

Photo:FUJISHIRO Yukako
Research fieldCondensed Matter Physics
Research Experience
2018
JSPS Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (DC1)
2021
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
2021
Special Postdoctoral Researcher, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science
2024
RIKEN ECL Unit Leader, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science & Pioneering Research Institute, Extreme Quantum Matter Physics RIKEN ECL Research Unit
Reasons for winning

Driven by her curiosity to observe phase transitions that alter topological order parameters, Dr. Fujishiro initiated her project, which has since demonstrated her strong leadership and produced outstanding research results recognized both domestically and internationally. Her innovative approach to the synthesis and characterization of new quantum materials is expected to contribute to paradigm shifts in social infrastructure and electronic devices in the future.

She possesses excellent presentation skills and is dedicated to supporting young researchers and promoting science communication. Dr. Fujishiro is expected to make significant contributions both in Japan and abroad in the future as a researcher.

Inspiration Prize

TEI Reika

Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Genetics, Stanford University

Photo:TEI Reika
Research fieldMolecular Biology
Research Experience
2022
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University
2022
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Genetics, Stanford University
Reasons for winning

Dr. Tei is actively pursuing innovative research aimed at elucidating and controlling the dynamics of intracellular biomolecules through the development of unique molecular tools and has achieved outstanding research results. Her ambitious research activities, driven by a clear vision, are expected to lead to further remarkable advancements.

In addition to her research activities, Dr. Tei advocates for the importance of diversity in research environments to the next generation of researchers and international students through her lectures that draw upon her personal experiences. She is a promising young researcher with a bright future who is expected to make significant contributions on the global stage.

Inspiration Prize

YOSHIMOTO Airi

JSPS Overseas Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biology, Stanford University

Photo:YOSHIMOTO Airi
Research fieldNeuroscience
Research Experience
2022
JSPS Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (DC1)
2025
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo
2025
JSPS Overseas Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biology, Stanford University
Reasons for winning

Dr. Yoshimoto, despite being a graduate student at the time of selection, has already achieved numerous outstanding results studying the interactions between the central nervous system and peripheral control systems, such as elucidating the neural mechanisms that enable intentional heart rate control. She actively participates in international collaborative research and has conducted research at multiple universities both domestically and internationally.

We expect Dr. Yoshimoto to achieve even greater advancements in the future as a researcher. Her passion and drive for research, combined with excellent presentation skills, suggest that she has high potential not only as a researcher but also as an educator. She is a researcher with a highly promising future.