With the aim of contributing to the advancement of science and technology in Japan, "The Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology" recognizes individuals and organizations that have achieved outstanding results in research and development, activities to promote greater awareness and understanding and other efforts related to science and technology.

This year, SRI researchers received a Prize for Science and Technology (Development Category) for their achievement in "Advanced Tire Development through Coordinated Utilization of SPring-8, J-PARC and the K Computer." This prize recognizes the development of our proprietary new materials development technologies "4D NANO DESIGN" (2012) and "ADVANCED 4D NANO DESIGN" (2015), which utilize such cutting-edge research facilities as the "SPring-8^*1" Large-Scale Synchrotron Radiation Facility, the "J-PARC^*2" Proton Accelerator & Experimental Facility and the "K Computer^*3" supercomputer together in coordination. Thanks to our cutting edge technologies and collaboration with world-class research institutions, we have succeeded in developing truly advanced tires, achieving balanced high performance in terms of the three inherently contradictory Key Tire Performance Traits: Fuel Efficiency, Grip and Wear Resistance.

We consider this year's prize to be further affirmation of SRI's innovative efforts to develop new materials through active collaboration between industry, academia and government, as well as our outstanding overall technical capabilities. Encouraged by this affirmation, we at SRI will continue to utilize these advanced technologies in the development of safe, reliable and environmentally friendly high-performance tires.