2011 Kyoto Prize - John Cahn

The Inamori Foundation of Japan cited Dr. Cahn's outstanding contribution to alloy materials engineering by the establishment of spinodal decomposition theory.

John's  major contributions to materials science include developing a fundamental theory that describes the behavior of mixtures of different materials and how they tend to separate at the microscale. The theory established an entire branch of materials research and is particularly important to the intelligent design of new alloys.

His work in understanding nature's rules for atomic structure within metals and other materials has had a profound effect on us all. It has enabled faster, more advanced materials design for many of the high-tech products we use every day.

John will receive his prize during a week of ceremonies beginning November 9, 2011, in Kyoto, Japan.