On May 8th, 2018, Prof. Shin-ichi Hirano, former president of Nagoya University, Chair Professor of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and director of the Hirano Institute for Materials Innovation (HIMI), SJTU, was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Japanese government, which is the highest honor of the Order of the Sacred Treasure. The Order of the Sacred Treasure is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in the field of research, education and administration to public services. 

Prof. Hirano was honored for outstanding contributions and tireless efforts to the notable achievements of education and inorganic material sciences. In order to solve environmental hazards, Prof. Hirano had majored the Chemistry in Nagoya University and was promoted to full professor in 1983 at Nagoya University after Tokyo Institute of Technology. He has made world-recognized academic achievements in the field of ceramic studies that are indispensable for environmental issues. He has also played an active role in public utilities through industry-university-research combination and also served as president of International Ceramic Federation, Distinguished Life Member of American Ceramic Society and Academician of World Academy of Ceramics. 

As SJTU’s Chair Professor, Prof. Hirano frequently travels between Shanghai and Japan, and has been promoting scientific cooperation between SJTU and large international enterprises like TOYOTA and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. 

Author: Hongjie WANG