The awards ceremony for the 13th CiRA Awards was held on Monday, January 5, 2026. This award, established in accordance with Kyoto University regulations and funded by the iPS Cell Research Fund, recognizes the outstanding achievements in education and research, administration and management of the institute, as well as social contributions and other activities by CiRA faculty members.
This fiscal year, Program-Specific Research Center Associate Professor Daisuke Doi and CiRA Director Professor Jun Takahashi, both from the Department of Clinical Application, received the awards.
(From left) CiRA Deputy Director Professor Koji Eto, Takahashi, and Doi at the CiRA Award Ceremony
Dr. Doi was recognized for his substantial contributions to a physician-initiated clinical trial for Parkinson’s disease using iPSC-derived dopaminergic progenitor cells. He made major contributions to cell manufacturing and a broad range of regulatory affairs, and also served as a principal author of the academic publication reporting the trial results. Through this first-in-human clinical study, he made a significant global impact on the field of cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. These achievements were highly regarded for the hope they have offered to many patients.
Dr. Takahashi was recognized for his leadership in directing the program named “Core Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell and Gene Therapy” supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). He demonstrated outstanding leadership from project planning through its operation and management, thereby advancing the initiative. In addition, Dr. Takahashi, in his role as the director of CiRA, was also recognized for his substantial contributions to the administration and management of the institute.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the initial announcement of iPS cell research to the world in 2006. Prior to the awards ceremony, a New Year’s address was held, at which CiRA Director Takahashi delivered remarks. Reflecting on the two decades of accumulated research that have paved the way toward the medical application of iPS cell technology—CiRA’s core mission, he emphasized that the present stands on this foundation. He also called on all members to join forces and continue taking on new challenges together, aiming for goals that remain even further beyond reach.
AloJapan.com