Yamanaka's discovery that differentiated cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells revolutionized the field of regenerative medicine. In 2012, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine alongside John Gurdon for this work. His method, which relies on the introduction of four key transcription factors—often referred to as "Yamanaka factors"—has had a profound impact on stem cell research and therapy.
In addition to his research, Yamanaka has held notable academic and leadership roles. He previously served as a professor of anatomy at the University of California, San Francisco. He also was president of the International Society for Stem Cell Research. As of his tenure at Kyoto University, he directs the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), overseeing ongoing advancements in the field of induced pluripotent stem cells.
Throughout his distinguished career, Yamanaka has received numerous accolades. In 2007, he was named a "Person Who Mattered" by Time magazine and was a Time 100 finalist in 2008. He was awarded the Kyoto Prize in 2010. His work has also earned him the Millennium Technology Prize, worth 1.2 million euros, and the McEwen Award for Innovation, which included a monetary prize of $100,000. These awards highlight his global impact on science and medical innovation.
Outside of his scientific endeavors, Yamanaka practices judo and holds a black belt. He is married to Chika Yamanaka, and together they have two daughters. While his exact net worth is undisclosed, he remains an active public figure and shares updates related to his research and professional activities on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Return to the previous page| Birth Date: | 4 Sep, 1962 |
| Age: | 57 yrs |
| Citizenship: | Japan |
| Birth Place: | Hiraoka |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Japanese stem cell researcher |
