Advanced Technology Category
2008 Prize Field: Information Science

Richard Manning Karp (U.S.A., born 1935)
Computer Scientist;
University Professor, University of California, Berkeley; Senior Research Scientist, International Computer Science Institute

Dr. Karp has made fundamental contributions to the theory of computational complexity, which he began developing in the early 1970s by establishing the theory of NP-completeness. In addition to creating many practical computer algorithms of his own, Dr. Karp's work has exerted profound influence on the guiding principles behind the analysis and design of algorithms used in many scientific disciplines.

Basic Sciences Category
2008 Prize Field: Life Sciences (Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Neurobiology)

Anthony James Pawson (Canada, born 1952)
Molecular Biologist;
Distinguished Investigator, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital; University Professor, University of Toronto

Dr. Pawson proposed and proved the concept that a unique adapter structure exists in signaling proteins, and that the binding of adapters to specific phosphotyrosine-containing domains induces cascades of intracellular signaling that controls cellular growth and differentiation. This concept has established one of the basic paradigms of signal transduction and significantly contributed to the subsequent development of the life sciences.

Arts and Philosophy Category
2008 Prize Field: Thought and Ethics

Charles Margrave Taylor (Canada, born 1931)
Philosopher;
University Professor Emeritus, McGill University

Dr. Taylor is an outstanding philosopher who has constructed a social philosophy that actively pursues the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures. By advocating "communitarianism" and "multiculturalism" from the perspective of "holistic individualism," Dr. Taylor has developed an enlightened philosophy that allows people of different historical, traditional, and cultural backgrounds to retain their multiple identities while living together peacefully.