Taipei, Taiwan, June 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tang Prize has now entered the third award year. Dr. Jenn-Chuan Chern, CEO of the Tang Prize Foundation, said the selection process went well. June 18 to 21, four days, 2018 Tang Prize Laureates will be announced by categories in succession. June 18 has a significant meaning – the first day when the Tang dynasty was declared back in the 7 th century. The Tang Prize Foundation founder, Dr. Samuel Yin, decided to go ahead even though the announcement coincides with the Dragon Boat Festival this year. A week-long Tang Prize week commences on September 19. It is expected to draw thousands of people to attend a series of events during the week.
Many has considered Tang dynasty as China’s very own golden era, a religious and culture melting pot. As the name implies, the “Tang Prize” hopes to inspire and better the world. The prize also brings people from worldwide to solve common challenges facing humanity in the 21 st century, including Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology and Rule of Law. June 18 to 21, the 2018 Tang Prize Laureates will be announced by categories in succession, every day 10 AM (GMT+8) steamed live on the Tang Prize official website .
Past Tang Prize Laureates came from diverse backgrounds: 2014 and 2016 Sustainable Development went to Gro Harlem Brundtland (Norway) and Arthur H. Rosenfeld (US). Inaugural Biopharmaceutical Science went to James P. Allison (US) and Tasuku Honjo (Japan). In 2016, Biopharmaceutical Science was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier (France), Jennifer A. Doudna (US), and Feng Zhang (US). Inaugural Sinology laureate was Yin-shih Yu (US). “Confucius of the West”, William Theodore de Bary (US) won the 2016 Sinology prize. Justice Albie Sachs (South Africa) was awarded the inaugural Tang Prize Rule of Law. Sachs handed the diploma to Madam Justice Louse Arbour (Canada) in 2016. Out of 11 Tang Prize laureates, four of them are female, nearly 40%. The gender ratio reflects women power and recognition thereof in the modern time.
Tang Prize laureates reflect different perspectives of our society. Inaugural Tang Prize laureates showcased the origin of sustainable development, spirit of the intellectual, innovations in cancer treatment, and long overdue justice. 2016 Tang Prize laureates provided examples of practicing energy efficiency and sustainability, breakthrough in genetic engineering, a tireless educator, and an uplifting force in the darkest hour.
Three Nobel Prize laureates Ryoji Noyori, Roger Kornberg, and Randy W. Schekman are among the members of the International Advisory Board (IAB) of the Tang Prize. Other members also provide insightful suggestion for furthering Tang Prize. The members of the IAB recognize the importance of the Tang Prize for a better world. The Tang Prize is distinct for its research grant which the laureate has to deploy in the awarded prize category. So far, the research grant has been used in elephant conservation, travel award to young researchers, women scientists support network, and technology education. Tang Prize originated from the East, the prize categories are closely related to the 21 st century value and issues, said Ryoji Noyori.
Each Tang Prize laureates receives NT$40 million (approx. US$1.33 million) cash prize and NT$10 million (approx. US$0.33 million) research grant. In addition, the laureates receive a pure (99.9%) gold medal, which was designed by the Japanese designer Fukasawa Naoto, and a diploma. 2018 Tang Prize diploma is designed by the Dutch book designer Irma Boom. The four prize categories are folded into their own unique way, pointing to different directions that lead to greater diversity. The diploma celebrates the Tang Prize for its bold and independent spirit in the 21 st century.
About Tang Prize
Dr. Samuel Yin, chairman of Ruentex Group, founded the Tang Prize in December of 2012 as an extension of the supreme value his family placed on education. Harkening back to the golden age of the Tang Dynasty in Chinese history, the Tang Prize seeks to be an inspiring force for people working in all corners of the world. For more information on the Tang Prize and its laureates, please visit www.tang-prize.org
Contact person
Scarlett Tu E-mail: thetangmedia@tang-prize.org
