Date : September 10, 2025
Creativity of Japanese Researchers as Seen through the Ig Nobel Prize (Prof. Kiyoshi Furusawa, Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Science Communication Office for Liberal Arts [SCOLA], College of Science, Rikkyo University // Science Communicator // Japan Improbable Research / Ig Nobel Prizes Director)
post date : 2025.08.27
The announcement of the Ig Nobel Prize, awarded for original and humorous research, is approaching. The winning research not only reminds us of the fun of science, but also often lead to outcomes with real social value. Japanese researchers have won the award for 18 consecutive years from 2007 to 2024, a record said reflect their keen curiosity, passion for research, and a culture that values original ideas.
The FPCJ has invited Prof. Kiyoshi Furusawa, Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Science Communication Office for Liberal Arts [SCOLA], College of Science, Rikkyo University, to speak on the theme “Creativity of Japanese Researchers as Seen through the Ig Nobel Prize”. He will discuss the characteristics and originality of the past award-winning research and highlight key points to watch in this year’s announcement.
Please note that you cannot physically attend this briefing, as it will be a Zoom webinar.
Embassy representatives and FPCJ supporting members may also participate in the briefing as observers (admission free).
■Date & Time: 14:00-15:30, Wednesday, September 10, 2025 (Deadline for application: 12:00, Tuesday, September 9)
■Theme: Creativity of Japanese Researchers as Seen through the Ig Nobel Prize
■Briefer: Prof. Kiyoshi Furusawa, Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Science Communication Office for Liberal Arts [SCOLA], College of Science, Rikkyo University // Science Communicator // Japan Improbable Research / Ig Nobel Prizes Director
Brief Bio: Born in 1977. Graduated from the Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Studies in Sustainable and Symbiotic Society. In 2011, he was dispatched to the Republic of Malawi as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer, where he worked as a science teacher. Upon his return to Japan, he worked as a Science Communicator at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) and as a Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at Hokkaido University before assuming his current position. He is also known as “Ig-ojisan,” (Uncle Ig) for his commentary and supervisions of programs related to the Ig Nobel Prize. His latest book is “Laugh and think! The Ig Nobel Prize Encyclopedia” (Holp Shuppan Publications).
■Language: Japanese, with consecutive English interpretation
As in our standard press briefings, there will be a Q&A session at the end.
*In principle, questions will only be accepted from members of the foreign press.
■Members of the Foreign Press:
Please send any questions for the briefer or topics you are interested in to cp@fpcjpn.or.jp by noon on Monday, September 8.
As there will only be a limited amount of time to ask questions during the briefing, we will collect questions and provide them to the briefer in advance.
■How to Apply: Please refer to the email we sent.
*We will not be accepting applications by email.