Following a rigorous screening process, the Gold Awards, each for 2 million yen, were presented to Associate Professor Masashi Kaneko of Osaka University and Professor Seiji Miura of Hokkaido University. In addition, four research projects received Silver Awards, and four Young Researcher Awards were presented.

The TANAKA Memorial Foundation undertakes programs designed to foster developments in new precious metal fields while contributing to the advancement of science, technology, and socio-economics for the overall enrichment of society. The research grant program was launched in FY1999 and has continued each year since with the goal of supporting the various challenges of the "new world opened up by precious metals." This year, the program's 24th year, a total of 159 applications were received in a wide range of fields where precious metals can make contributions to the research and development of new technologies. A total of 16.2 million yen in research grants was awarded for 24 projects.

The names of the two Gold Award recipients, their research, and the reasons for their selection are below.

- Associate Professor Masashi Kaneko of Osaka University

Modeling of precious metal extraction and separation using Moessbauer spectroscopy parameters and computational chemistry

This research seeks to develop a computational method for predicting the solvent extraction equilibrium of precious metals. The research was highly rated for its development of a computational chemistry model for precious metal solvent extraction reactions according to chemical equilibrium theory, and based on computational chemistry benchmarking of precious metal complexes using Mossbauer spectroscopy parameters. The research has the potential of accelerating the development of new precious metal extraction agents in combination with experimental chemistry, while it also has scientific and industrial value as well.

- Professor Seiji Miura of Hokkaido University

Experiments to achieve microstructure control of precious metal-based high-entropy alloys

This research seeks to develop innovative metal materials aimed at creating strengthening mechanisms with high thermal stability through the use of microstructure control of precious metal-based high-entropy alloys using two-phase crystal structures and their orientation relationship. The research was highly rated for its research related to high-entropy alloys, which are being more actively researched and are gaining attention for their unique material properties. The research has the potential of opening up new material fields for precious metals and expanding their industrial usage.

Four Silver Awards, four Young Researcher Awards, and 12 Encouragement Awards were also granted. The recipients and an overview of the Precious Metals Research Grants are indicated below. Applications for the FY2023 research granted are scheduled to open in the fall.

Press release in PDF: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/2023331_EN.pdf