The winners of the academic year 2019 Japan Prize of Agricultural Science were announced on February 12. This prize is awarded to researchers who have produced excellent results in the field of agriculture by the Association of Japanese Agricultural Scientific Societies (AJASS). Professor Jian Feng Ma of Okayama University Institute of Plant Science and Resources is one of the winners. The prize presentation ceremony took place at the 90th Japan Agriculture Conference (in academic year 2019) held in the University of Tokyo Sanjo-Kaikan Hall on April 5, 2019.

The award of this prize, which is considered the highest honor among researchers of agriculture in Japan, is a tremendous validation of his achievements in the “study of mechanism of mineral transport in crop plants.” When he was named as a winner of the prize, Professor Ma said: “I’m very pleased that the AJASS has given me credit for my steady efforts. This award will encourage me to continue to make my utmost efforts.”