KANUMA, Japan: The NSK Nakanishi Foundation has established the NSK Blue Prize, a new international academic award that recognises researchers who have made exceptional contributions to dental science and oral healthcare. Designed to celebrate innovation with real-world impact, the prize aims to raise the global profile of dentistry and support research that improves health, well-being and quality of life.
The NSK Blue Prize has been created to honour individuals and organisations whose work has advanced dental medicine through scientific discovery, clinical innovation, education or community healthcare. The award recognises achievements that have delivered meaningful benefits for patients and society and seeks to encourage future breakthroughs in oral healthcare. The foundation hopes that the prize will become one of the world’s most respected honours in dentistry and ultimately be regarded as the field’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
The name “Blue” reflects the foundation’s symbolic colour, representing the Earth, the sea, the sky and life itself. It was chosen to express values shared by all humanity—values that transcend borders, cultures and scientific disciplines—and to reinforce the global importance of dental medicine and its contribution to human health and dignity.
Eligible contributions include work in basic dental science, clinical and translational research, and technological innovation, as well as projects that deliver significant public health benefits. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, the selection process also considers how research has improved or has the potential to improve lives through better prevention, enhanced treatment and reduced health inequalities.
Each year, up to three laureates will receive a prize of JPY 10 million (€54,167.4*), together with a commemorative trophy and certificate. Winners will also be invited to Japan to attend the award ceremony and present a lecture, helping to share their research with the wider international community.
Recipients will be selected by an independent international committee made up of respected experts chosen for their research achievements, integrity and ethical standards. The selection process is governed by the principles of independence, transparency and academic excellence and is intended to ensure that decisions remain free from commercial or organisational influence.
Nominations for the inaugural NSK Blue Prize opened on 1 July and will remain open until 20 December. Researchers and organisations from around the world are encouraged to participate. Through the prize, the foundation seeks to showcase outstanding achievements that will shape the future of dental science and oral healthcare for generations to come. Further information about the prize can be found on the NSK Nakanishi Foundation website.
Editorial note:
* Calculated on the OANDA platform for 13 July 2026.
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