CiRA director Shinya Yamanaka has been named a recipient of the International Balzan Prize for his work on induced pluripotency and cellular reprogramming. This prestigious prize is awarded to four annually based on recommendations from the International Balzan Prize Foundation.

The Foundation was established in 1957, and gives two awards for achievements in the natural sciences, and two for work in the humanities, every year. They additioanly award a prize for Humanity, Peace and Brotherhood among Peoples at least once every three years. Previous prizes have gone to Sumio Iijima for his discovery of carbon nanotubes, and to Mother Teresa for her humanitarian efforts in India.

"I am thrilled to have been awardded such a prestigious prize," comments Dr Yamanaka, "but I must give credit to everyone who supported me in my work over the years. The prize was awarded to them at least as much as it was to me. I look forward to fulfilling the great expectations that surround iPS cell technology as rapidly as possible."

The awards ceremony will be held on November 19, 2010, in Rome.

International Balzan Prize Foundation website