【Award Ceremony】

 Professor Hirofumi Sawa, Director of the IVReD and Distinguished Professor at Hokkaido University, has received the 2026 Akiyama Foundation Award presented by the Akiyama Life Science Foundation. The award ceremony was held on September 10, 2026, at the Sapporo Prince Hotel International Convention Center Pamir in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

The Akiyama Foundation Award was established in 1991 by the Akiyama Life Science Foundation to recognize and support researchers who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of life sciences in Hokkaido. Please click here for more details.

Prof. Sawa was honored for his extensive research achievements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of zoonotic infectious diseases. His contributions include the discovery and characterization of pathogens, studies on disease mechanisms, and the development of diagnostic methods, antiviral drugs, and vaccines.

The award also recognizes his efforts to translate research findings into practical applications through collaborations with research institutions and industry in Japan and abroad, as well as his contributions to building international research networks and training the next generation of researchers.

【Awarded Research Theme】
“Research on the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Zoonotic Infectious Diseases”

During the award ceremony, Prof. Sawa delivered a commemorative lecture highlighting his research achievements and ongoing efforts to combat infectious diseases.

IVReD will continue to strengthen collaborations with domestic and international research institutions and industry partners. We remain committed to advancing research and development, from basic research to practical applications, to address emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

【Prof. Hirofumi Sawa, Director of IVReD, delivering his award commemorative lecture】

【Prof. Hirofumi Sawa, Director of IVReD, delivering his award commemorative lecture】

【View of the Venue】