Yamada Science Foundation was established in February 1977 in Osaka through the generosity of Mr. Kiro Yamada. Mr. Yamada was President of Rohto Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a well-known manufacturer of medicines in Japan. He recognized that creative, unconstrained, basic research is indispensable for the future welfare and prosperity of mankind and he has been deeply concerned with its promotion. Therefore, funds for this Foundation were donated from his private holdings.
The principal activity of the Yamada Science Foundation is to offer financial assistance to creative research in the basic natural sciences, particularly in interdisciplinary domains that bridge established fields. Projects which promote international cooperation are also favored. By assisting in the exchange of visiting scientists and encouraging international meetings, this Foundation intends to greatly further the progress of science in the global environment.
In this context, Yamada Science Foundation sponsors international Yamada Conferences once or twice a year in Japan. Subjects to be selected by the Foundation should be most timely and stimulating. These conferences are expected to be of the highest international standard so as to significantly foster advances in their respective fields.