[Okayama University] Ayaka Oashi, a student in the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences, reports her "JSPS Ikushi Prize" award to President Yasutomo Nasu

March 30, 2026
National University Corporation Okayama University

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆ Overview

Ayaka Oashi (3rd year, Doctoral Program, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences), who received the "16th (FY2025) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Ikushi Prize", an award that honors doctoral students who have achieved outstanding results in research and academics, visited the president's office at the Tsushima Campus on March 16, 2026, along with her supervisor, Professor Shin Sato of the same graduate school. She reported her award to President Yasutomo Nasu and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Senior Vice President Makoto Suga.

Ms. Oashi was selected as one of 19 recipients from a pool of 187 individuals recommended by universities and academic organizations across Japan. This marks the third time in seven years that someone from our university has received this award, a remarkable achievement.

Ms. Oashi attended the award ceremony held on March 3rd at the Science Council of Japan (Taito-ku, Tokyo) in the presence of Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. President Nasu was unable to attend due to official duties, but Vice President Norihito Sato (in charge of Research and Industry-Academia Co-creation), Vice President (in charge of Academic Affairs), and Senior URA, along with Professor Sato, attended as representatives of the president.

Ms. Oashi explained her research theme, "Elucidation of the novel mechanism of skin collagen formation using the axolotl," to President Nasu and Executive Vice President Suga, and showed them the commemorative gift she received at the award ceremony. Regarding her future research activities and career path, she expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I will continue my research activities at Okayama University under Professor Sato starting in April. I also want to focus on managing the laboratory." She is expected to achieve further success as a next-generation female researcher.

We look forward to your continued support for Okayama University, a regionally centered and distinctive research university, and Ms. Oashi's endeavors.

〇 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Ikushi Prize
The prize was established in FY2010 using a donation from His Majesty the Emperor on the occasion of his 20th enthronement in 2009, to support and encourage young researchers. Its purpose is to enhance the motivation for study and research among outstanding graduate students who are expected to contribute to the development of academic research in Japan in the future, thereby fostering young researchers.
Eligible candidates are graduate students who have excellent academic records, possess rich humanity, and are proactively and independently engaged in their studies and research activities in all fields of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

FAQ

Who is Ayaka Oashi?

Ayaka Oashi is a 3rd-year doctoral student in the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences at Okayama University.

What award did Ayaka Oashi receive?

She received the 16th (FY2025) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Ikushi Prize.

What is the JSPS Ikushi Prize?

It is an award established to honor outstanding graduate students who are expected to contribute to the development of academic research in Japan, aiming to encourage and foster young researchers.

What is Ayaka Oashi's research theme?

Her research theme is "Elucidation of the novel mechanism of skin collagen formation using the axolotl."

When and where was the award ceremony held?

The award ceremony was held on March 3rd at the Science Council of Japan in Tokyo, with the presence of Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

Will Ayaka Oashi continue her research at Okayama University?

Yes, she plans to continue her research activities at Okayama University under Professor Sato starting in April.

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