The NSK Nakanishi Foundation (Location: Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture, Representative Director: Eiichi Nakanishi) has established the "NSK Blue Prize," an international academic award to honor researchers who have made a global impact on the advancement of dental medicine and oral healthcare. The first call for nominations will begin on July 1, 2026.

The NSK Blue Prize aims to widely demonstrate the value of dental medicine to the world and become an internationally prestigious award, referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Dentistry" in the future. The nomination period is until December 20, 2026. Three recipients are planned, with each receiving a prize of 10 million yen, a medal, and a certificate.

1. Background of Establishment

The mouth is an essential organ for fundamental human activities such as eating, speaking, and expressing emotions. Oral health is deeply connected to overall health, human dignity, and quality of life (QOL). On the other hand, the medical and social importance of dental medicine is not yet fully recognized. The NSK Blue Prize was established to demonstrate the value of dental medicine to the world and to honor research that benefits all of humanity.

2. Aiming for the "Nobel Prize of Dentistry"

This award aims to communicate the essential and lasting value of dental medicine and oral healthcare to society worldwide. It emphasizes scientific excellence, clinical and social impact, internationality, and high ethical standards, aiming to be recognized as the leading international award in the field of dental medicine in the future.

3. Fields of Eligibility and Selection Criteria

This award emphasizes the creation of value for all of humanity and will honor pioneering and internationally acclaimed research achievements in the following fields:

(1) Basic Science of Dentistry and Oral Cavity (2) Clinical Research and Translational Research (3) Technological Innovation in Dental Care (4) Impact on Social and Global Health

Selection will focus on how research has contributed, and how clearly it can contribute in the future, to improving people's health, well-being, and QOL on a global scale.

Selection will be made by an independent international selection committee, which will not include officers or employees of Nakanishi Inc.

4. Nomination Overview

Award Name: NSK Blue Prize

Eligibility: Worldwide

Nomination Period: July 1, 2026 - December 20, 2026 (Must arrive by deadline, Japan time)

Number of Recipients: 3

Award Details: 10 million yen prize per person, medal, certificate

Nominator: Representative of an academic society or the head of the institution to which the candidate belongs

Nomination Method: Submit prescribed nomination form via email in PDF format

Special Website: https://www.nsk-blueprize.com/jp/

Selection Results: Recipients and nominators will be notified in March 2027, and results will be announced on the foundation's website.

About the NSK Nakanishi Foundation

The NSK Nakanishi Foundation was established in October 2016 with the aim of fostering talented dentists through scholarship support for dental students and contributing to the advancement of dental care.

It began its scholarship grant program in 2017 and was certified as a public interest foundation by the Cabinet Office in 2018.

In 2023, it launched grant programs for research and development in dentistry and surgery, as well as for overseas study.

As of April 1, 2026, a total of 362 students have received scholarships, 58 research and development grants totaling 149,900,000 yen have been awarded, and 4 individuals have received study abroad grants.

Comment from the Foundation's Representative Director

"Oral health is a crucial foundation supporting the quality of life. Through the NSK Blue Prize, we aim to promote researchers who are pioneering new frontiers in dental medicine globally and to develop this award into a prestigious international prize, referred to as the 'Nobel Prize of Dentistry' in the future." Eiichi Nakanishi, Representative Director, NSK Nakanishi Foundation

Contact Information for Inquiries

NSK Nakanishi Foundation, NSK Blue Prize Secretariat E-mail: nsk-blueprize@nakanishi-zaidan.or.jp

Special Website: https://www.nsk-blueprize.com/jp/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 学術賞創設