Zoological Society of Japan
Kazuyoshi Tsutsui, Chairperson of the Academic Award Selection Committee

2010 Zoological Society of Japan Award

There were 9 applicants. Although zoology consists of a wide range of academic fields, most of the applicants were outstanding researchers representing their respective fields, and they met the condition stated in the selection regulations: "researchers who have achieved academically extremely beneficial results that make a significant and remarkable contribution to the progress and development of zoology." As a result, the deliberation was conducted at a high level. Although the selection was extremely difficult, after detailed deliberation on the applicants' research content, research achievements, and degree of contribution to the progress and development of zoology, it was decided to recommend two candidates to the Board of Directors. 

Takema Fukatsu, Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Target research theme: "Elucidation of novel functions conferred on host insects by symbiotic microorganisms"

Reasons for the Recommendation
Member Takema Fukatsu has revealed novel biological functions conferred upon host insects by symbiotic microorganisms, through original research focusing on symbiotic microorganisms present within the bodies of insects and other organisms. Symbiotic microorganisms possess fascinating biological functions and physiological activities, but research on them had not progressed because they are difficult to culture. However, Member Fukatsu overcame this difficulty by introducing diverse approaches such as molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Through Member Fukatsu's research, which thoroughly investigated inter-organismal symbiosis and interactions, novel biological functions conferred upon host insects by symbiotic microorganisms were brought to light. Furthermore, utilizing diverse approaches, Member Fukatsu conducted research on symbiotic mechanisms and their evolutionary significance, producing numerous peerless and original achievements. In particular, discoveries such as "horizontal gene transfer from symbiotic microorganisms to host insects," "host-symbiont coevolution and reduced genome evolution," "alteration of insect plant adaptation by symbiotic microorganisms," and "the obligate nutritional symbiotic bacterium *Wolbachia*" represent outstanding academic achievements, with numerous research findings published in top-tier international journals. Member Fukatsu's research has received high global acclaim as pioneering the fields of biodiversity and evolutionary biology. Determining that Member Fukatsu's research, which has significantly advanced the "understanding of biological symbiotic evolutionary mechanisms," is well-suited for an academic society award, we nominate him as a candidate. 

Takayuki Takahashi - Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University
Target research topic: "Elucidation of the ovulation mechanism in medaka"

Reasons for the Recommendation
Member Takayuki Takahashi skillfully used the medaka, a model organism, to be the first in the world to discover ovulation enzymes (such as MT1-MMP, MT2-MMP, and gelatinase A) involved in vertebrate ovulation, which had long remained unknown. In sexually reproducing organisms, ovulation is an essential event that must be completed before fertilization. Although the history of ovulation research is long and numerous studies have been conducted primarily using mammals, the identity of the ovulation enzymes had remained unknown. Member Takayuki Takahashi's discovery of these ovulation enzymes (such as MT1-MMP, MT2-MMP, and gelatinase A) has received exceptionally high international acclaim. Beyond this discovery, it is a notable achievement that he elucidated their operational mechanism through detailed biochemical analysis. Furthermore, through Member Takayuki Takahashi's recent endocrinological research, the mechanisms of oocyte maturation and ovulation, which are triggered and coordinately induced by luteinizing hormone (LH), are being elucidated at the molecular level. Thus, Member Takayuki Takahashi's outstanding research is based on biochemistry while encompassing a broad range of fields, including endocrinology, physiology, and cell biology, with numerous research findings published in top-tier international journals. We judge that Member Takayuki Takahashi's research, which has significantly advanced the "understanding of the ovulation mechanism in vertebrates," is well-suited for an academic society award and hereby nominate him as a candidate.