International Cosmos Prize

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The International Cosmos Prize was established in 1993, commemorating Expo '90 in Osaka, Japan. The objective of the prize was to develop the basic concept of Expo 90, "The Harmonious Coexistence between Nature and Mankind" and is awarded annually by the Commemorative Foundation for the International Garden and Greenery Exposition, Osaka, Japan, 1990 (Expo '90 Foundation).^[1]

The prize, which may be awarded to an individual or team, consists of a commendation, a medallion and a monetary reward, currently 40 million yen. It is awarded during a ceremony held in each autumn, at which the individual or team delivers a commemorative lecture and takes part in a symposium held in their honor.

The name of the prize, "Cosmos," refers to the Cosmos flower that bloomed during the Expo and the ancient Greek word kosmos meaning "universe in harmony." The prize was first awarded in 1993, to the then Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Sir Ghillean Prance.