The very first research on ginkgo biloba, 30 years ago, was the work of Prof. Koji Nakanishi, Ph.D., who isolated the active component of ginkgo extract. A scientist described as one who has "transformed the field of natural products chemistry," Dr. Nakanishi is not only one of the most honored in his field but also the mentor of so many others that a list of his former students reads like a Who's Who in research. In 1999, a group of these scientists published The Biology - Chemistry Interface: A Tribute to Koji Nakanishi. Professor Nakanishi has been on the faculty of Columbia University's Department of Chemistry for 30 years, is a former chairman of the department and since 1980 has held the title of Centennial Professor. In what has been referred to as "an extraordinarily productive career," he has opened the doors to fuller understanding of natural products by determining the chemical structure of nearly 200 bioactive compounds and how they function to affect human, plant and animal life. He has been given awards by nearly a dozen nations and numerous scientific organizations. In an unusual international alliance, a major prize was named for him; the Nakanishi Prize of the American Chemical Society and the Chemical Society of Japan. He has published 700 scientific papers and written nine books, including an autobiography, A Wandering Natural Products Scientist (1991). And, when Dr. Nakanishi appears to receive an award or present a scientific paper, the audience usually is in for an added treat - his famous talents as an accomplished magician.

On November 26, King Faisal Foundation announced that the King Faisal International Award for this year will be given to 6 people including Dr. Koji Nakanishi. This award is the so called Arabian Nobel prize. In the area of science the prize for this year will be shared between Dr. Nakanishi and Prof. Hawthorn of Univ. of California. Click here for the full story.

King Faisal International Award
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