Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund
The Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund was established in 1968. Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamatsu devoted much of her life to alleviating the scourge of cancer since the disease took the life of her mother in 1933. The Princess founded the precursor of the present Fund, the "Nadeshiko-kai", with her classmates at Joshi Gakushuin School in 1953. The Fund sponsored various charities and provided financial support for cancer research. Initiatives such as these increased public awareness of cancer and attracted the support of parties with interests similar to those of the Princess. Eventually, these efforts culminated in the establishment of the Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund in 1968. The Fund was authorized by Cabinet Office, Government of Japan as Public Interest Corporation in 2010.
In her position as Honorary Patroness of the Fund since its inception, Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamatsu maintained a strong influence in matters related to the Fund and was actively involved in its many activities in different fields. It is with a deep sense of regret that we acknowledge her passing on the 18th of December 2004.
In 2001, His Imperial Highness Prince Tomohito of Mikasa became the Fund's Patron. He made a precious contribution to the Fund's activities before he passed away on the 6th of June 2012.
On the 26th of December 2012,His Imperial Highness Prince Hitachi was appointed the Fund's Patron.
The objective of the Fund is to contribute to the progress of science and the welfare of mankind through supporting cancer research.
Activitites
Research Grants
Research Grants have been awarded to up to 25 Japanese scientists each year since 1969, and this support has contributed positively to various fields of cancer research. Each recipient is awarded JP¥2,000,000.
Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund Prizes
The Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund Prizes are awarded every year to Japanese scientists who have made outstanding contributions to fundamental and clinical research on cancer. Award of the prize is regarded as an enormous honor in the Japanese cancer research community. The Award of Merit, which bears the name of His Imperial Highness, and JP¥5,000,000 are presented to each recipient.
International Symposia
The International Symposium of the Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund has been held annually in Tokyo every November since 1970. Invited speakers, 20 from abroad and 10 from Japan, are scientists that are considered to be highly productive and at the cutting edge of cancer research. Consequently, the symposia have come to be well regarded among scientists both at home and abroad.
Nakahara Memorial Lecture Prizes
To honor the late Dr. Waro Nakahara, who was a pioneer of cancer research in Japan and played an important role in establishing of the International Symposium, a special lecture has been presented in his name at every symposium since 1977. The Fund awards a plaque and a prize (JP¥500,000) to honor the lecturer for his or her distinguished research on cancer in the occasion of the symposium.
Lectures
The Lectureship of the Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund was established in 1981. A prominent cancer researcher from abroad is invited every year to present lectures in three places in Japan. These lectures leave a deep impression on attendees and serve to stimulate many young Japanese scientists and students.
The Fund publishes CANCER
An annual Japanese publication that describes the activities of the Fund to the general public.
AACR Princess Takamatsu Memorial Lecture Prizes
The Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) established the Lectureship in 2007 in honor of the late Princess Takamatsu. The aim is to recognize an individual scientist whose novel and significant work has had a far reaching impact on the detection, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of cancer, and who embodies the dedication shown by Princess Takamatsu to multinational collaboration. The lecturer has the opportunity to present a major, 50-minute lecture during the AACR Annual Meeting. The Lectureship will include an award of US$10,000 along with an appropriate commemorative item (such as a plaque) serving as tangible witness to the singular honor of his/her selection. The Fund provides annually a grant of JP¥3,000,000 as a financial support to the AACR for the establishment of the Lectureship.
The Fund became an affiliate of the International Union against Cancer (UICC) in 1978 and contributes JP¥1,500,000 in membership contributions annually.
* The generous donations of numerous people and parties have enabled the Fund to undertake these activities.
Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund
1-14-15-102 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0074, Japan
Phone: +81-3-3441-0111 Fax: +81-3-3441-0112
E-mail: info@ptcrf.or.jp
URL: http://www.ptcrf.or.jp (Japanese Only)