Dr. Akito Arima, attending the OIST inauguration ceremony

“In 2001, when I was Minister of Science and Technology Policy and was developing the idea for OIST, I began looking for someone who could help make my vision a reality.  I interviewed numerous Nobel Laureates, but among all those I met during my search, Dr. Brenner was one of those who responded most strongly to my idea for a graduate university for science and technology. I was highly impressed by his energy and vision, and I knew then that I had found the right person to oversee the long process of establishing OIST,” said Mr. Koji Omi.

Dr. Sydney Brenner giving a talk at OIST in 2008

OIST President and CEO Dr. Peter Gruss remembered Brenner. “Some people watch history; others like Sydney made it happen,” Gruss said. “With Sydney’s passing the world has lost one of the most remarkable, witty and hardworking scientists of the late 20th century.”