Masao Horiba Awards

In 2003, to mark the 50th anniversary of HORIBA, Ltd., HORIBA Group established an award for young scientists in analytical science outside the group companies. This award is intended to support researchers who are devoting themselves to research and development of innovative technology in analysis and measurement. It also aims to strengthen the position of analytical and measurement technology within scientific and industrial world. The field for the award is decided each year with a focus on the principles and elemental technologies fostered by HORIBA. The award values unique research and development with the findings and potential that deserves a global recognition.

The target field for the 2008 Masao Horiba Awards is the measurement and analytical technologies related to internal combustion engines used for mobility sources, especially vehicles. The field includes the measurement technologies for combustion in internal combustion engines, the accompanying phenomena, emission, and after-treatment system.

The history of automotive emission gas regulation can be traced to the Muskie Act implemented in the state of California in 1970, after the serious air pollution problems in Los Angeles in 1960's. Since 1964, HORIBA Group Companies have been providing a range of emission gas analyzing instruments using various principles.

During the past 40 years, the performance of internal combustion engines has achieved a remarkable progress in reducing environmental burdens, which makes emission gas much cleaner. On the other hand, problems to be solved in developing new automotive engines, such as decreasing microparticles in emission gas, improving mileage to slow global warming, and shifting to alternative energy sources, are becoming highly complex. Measurement relating to combustion and combustion emissions is essential to solve these problems, thus is becoming increasingly important as a fundamental technology in automobile development.

We look forward to receiving many applications from those who are actively engaged in researches in this significant field that ranges from the basics to practical applications. An applicant who is competent to be a future leader and can contribute to the development of analytical and measurement technologies is highly evaluated.