U.K. and Japanese scientists named as laureates of the 2006 Japan Prize

The Science and Technology Foundation of Japan announced the names of the two laureates for the 2006 (22^nd) Japan Prize. They are U.K. scientist, Sir John Houghton CBE FRS, for "Pioneering research on atmospheric structure and composition based on his satellite observation technology and for promotion of international assessments of climate change" in the prize category of "Global Change" and Dr. Akira Endo of Japan for "The Discovery of the Statins" in the prize category of "The development of Novel Therapeutic Concepts and Technologies". The two scientists will receive certificates of merit, and commemorative medals. There is also a cash award of fifty million Japanese yen for each prize category. The presentation ceremony is scheduled to be held in Tokyo at the National Theatre on Thursday 20 April 2006, in the presence of the emperor and empress. The prize categories for the 2007 (23^rd) Japan Prize will be "Innovative Devices Inspired by Basic Research" and the "Science and Technology of Harmonious Co-Existence". For further details of the Japan Prize, contact The Science and Technology Foundation of Japan, Phone: +81-3-5545-0551, Fax +81-3-5545-0554, info@japanprize.jp, http://www.japanprize.jp/English.htm