Mitsui Chemicals Opens Application Period for the 2026 Catalysis Science Awards
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. has officially announced that the application portal for the 2026 Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Awards has been open since September 1, 2025. Researchers interested in applying have until December 25, 2025 to complete their submissions. This annual call for applications continues Mitsui Chemicals’ long-standing commitment to supporting exceptional research and innovation in the field of catalysis science—an area crucial to the advancement of chemical technologies and sustainable industrial development.
Established more than two decades ago, the Catalysis Science Awards are widely recognized as a prestigious international honor. By celebrating outstanding scientific achievements and creative contributions in catalysis, the awards aim to foster scientific excellence and encourage the next generation of researchers whose work may significantly impact global chemistry and materials science.Background and Purpose of the Catalysis Science Awards
Mitsui Chemicals introduced the Catalysis Science Awards in 2004 with the goal of contributing to the sustainable development of chemistry and the chemical industry. Catalysis, which plays a central role in energy production, environmental protection, resource efficiency, and material synthesis, is a critical scientific field with wide-ranging applications. Through the awards, the company seeks to highlight research that pushes boundaries, offers new insights, and helps solve global challenges.
Over the years, the awards have recognized 33 researchers from both Japan and the international scientific community. The distinction has often served as a stepping stone for laureates, many of whom later received some of the world’s most prestigious scientific honors. Among these remarkable individuals are researchers who went on to earn the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, in addition to other major national and international awards. Such achievements highlight the awards’ role in identifying and encouraging scientists whose research holds transformative potential.
Broad Scope of Eligible Research Areas
For the 2026 award cycle, Mitsui Chemicals welcomes applications from a diverse range of research and development (R&D) fields within catalysis science. The organization stresses that catalysis is an interdisciplinary domain, and therefore invites applications from researchers who work across multiple scientific and technological fronts. Eligible research topics include, but are not limited to:
- Solid catalysts used in various industrial processes
- Molecular catalysts, including organometallic and coordination complexes
- Biocatalysts, such as enzymes and engineered biological systems
- Green and sustainable processes that reduce environmental impact
- Catalytic methods for rare metal utilization, recycling, or reduction
- Materials science and novel material development enabled by innovative catalytic strategies
By maintaining a wide scope, the awards aim to encourage applications representing both classical catalysis research and emerging, high-impact fields. This inclusive approach reflects the rapid evolution of catalysis as a discipline and its increasingly important role in modern industry, environmental technologies, and future energy solutions.
I. Outline of the Awards
The Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Awards consist of two categories, each designed to honor a different type of contribution to the field. Although both awards focus on the advancement of catalysis science, their criteria and target groups differ.
1. Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Award
This is the primary award in the program and recognizes extraordinary scientific achievements. It is considered the highest honor within the award framework.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be researchers affiliated with a university or public research institution and must have demonstrated exceptional contributions to catalysis science. The award is highly competitive and may be granted to up to one recipient.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must be 47 years old or younger as of April 1, 2025.
Prize
- A commemorative plaque
- Monetary award of 5 million yen
This award is intended for researchers who have significantly advanced the understanding, methodology, or application of catalytic processes in a way that has substantial academic or industrial impact.
2. Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Award for Creative Work
The Creative Work Award highlights innovative and original research approaches, aiming to recognize creative breakthroughs that contribute to the future of catalysis.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must also be affiliated with a university or public research institution, and must have demonstrated creative achievements in catalysis science. The award may be presented to up to two recipients, reflecting the program’s dedication to encouraging emerging talent.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must be 37 years old or younger as of April 1, 2025.
Prize
- A commemorative plaque
- Monetary award of 1 million yen
Because creativity is a key driver of scientific progress, this award seeks to recognize researchers who bring fresh perspectives and novel methodologies to catalysis research.
II. Schedule and Selection Process
The timeline for the 2026 Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Awards is as follows:
- Application opens: September 1, 2025
- Application closes: December 25, 2025
- Announcement of award recipients: Scheduled for June 2026, with final details to be published on the official website and in professional scientific journals
The selection process is overseen by a committee composed of distinguished scholars in catalysis science along with a representative from Mitsui Chemicals. The committee evaluates applicants based on scientific merit, originality, impact, and relevance to key themes in modern catalysis.
Application Information and Official Guidelines
All interested researchers are encouraged to visit the official application site for complete information:
2026 Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Awards Application Site
https://jp.mitsuichemicals.com/en/techno/csa/index.htm
The website provides detailed instructions regarding:
- Required application documents
- Submission procedures
- Privacy policy
- Terms and conditions
- List
Source Link : https://www.businesswire.com/
