Date:21/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/21/stories/2008062156572000.htm

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Kyoto Prize for computer scientist, professors

TOKYO: A California-based computer scientist, a Professor of philosophy and a molecular biologist will each receive $460,000 after being selected on Friday as winners of this year’s Kyoto Prizes for achievement in the arts and sciences.

Computer scientist Richard Karp, a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, won the prize in advanced technology for his work in measuring how difficult certain computational problems are to solve — a fundamental step in designing computer algorithms.

The award in arts and philosophy will go to Canadian Professor Charles Taylor for developing a social philosophy that allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to keep their identities and still live peacefully together.

Canadian molecular biologist Anthony Pawson was picked in the basic sciences category for research that deepened understanding of how cells communicate. The University of Toronto Professor’s discoveries have spurred progress in a wide range of biomedical research and the development of anticancer drugs.

The Inamori Foundation will present each with a gold medal and 50 million yen ($460,000) in Kyoto in November. — AP