#Okayama University #JSPS Ikushi Prize #Ayaka Ooshu

Okayama University's Graduate Student Receives Prestigious JSPS Award

On February 5, 2026, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) announced that Ayaka Ooshu, a graduate student from the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science at Okayama University, has been awarded the 16th JSPS Ikushi Prize. This award honors exceptional doctoral candidates who are expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of academic research in Japan.

The JSPS Ikushi Prize was established in 2010 with the aim of acknowledging outstanding graduate students, thereby fostering their passion for learning and research. Eligible candidates are those who demonstrate excellence in their academic performance across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, as well as possessing a strong commitment to independent studies and research activities. The award includes a certificate, a trophy, and a monetary scholarship.

The award ceremony is set to take place on March 3, 2026.

Overview of Ooshu's Research

Traditionally, it has been believed that collagen in the skin is primarily formed by a group of cells known as fibroblasts located within the dermis. However, this notion was largely based on circumstantial observations. Ooshu challenged this established viewpoint by utilizing axolotls (commonly known as