The Kyoto prize / Laureates / The 2009 Kyoto Prize Laureates |
Advanced Technology / Prize Field: Electronics |
|
Isamu Akasaki
"Pioneering Work on Gallium Nitride p-n Junctions and Related Contributions to the Development of Blue Light Emitting Devices"
Dr. Akasaki conducted persistent research on gallium nitride (GaN) for many years toward the realization of blue LEDs. His efforts culminated in the pioneering realization of GaN-based p-n junctions, which were once believed to be practically impossible. This achievement served as the first firm step toward the eventual commercialization of blue LEDs. To this day, Dr. Akasaki has consistently played a leading role in a series of significant research endeavors. His contributions to them certainly deserve the highest recognition the world over.
Basic Sciences / Prize Field: Biological Sciences (Evolution, Behavior, Ecology, Environment) |
|
Peter Raymond Grant
Barbara Rosemary Grant
U.K. / October 8, 1936
Evolutionary Biologist
Professor Emeritus, Princeton University
"Demonstrating Rapid Evolution Caused by Natural Selection in Response to Environmental Changes"
Through the long-term field study more than 35 years on Darwin's finches on the Galápagos Islands, the Grants demonstrated that morphology and behavior of organisms are altered rapidly by natural selection in response to recurrent environmental changes. Their work has not only made enormous contributions to evolutionary biology and ecology, but also has had a profound influence on the general public through demonstrating the evolution by natural selection in the field.
Arts and Philosophy / Prize Field: Music |
|
Pierre Boulez"A Musician Who Has Consistently Set Trends through His Composition, Conducting, Writing, and Organizational Operation"
Mr. Boulez, as a composer, has greatly contributed to the contemporary music with his innovative works by advancing the musical style of serialism and then by utilizing electroacoustic technique. In addition, he has acted in a broader filed of music as a conductor, a writer and an organizer. He has demonstrated a high degree of stimulating creativity and influence in each aspect and led the world of Western music after World War II.