Two U.S. scientists and an Austrian conductor have been awarded Kyoto Prizes for achievement in the arts and sciences.
U.S. citizen George Heilmeier won the advanced technology award for his work on liquid crystal display screens, used in flat-panel computer monitors and television sets.
Fellow American Simon Levin won the basic sciences category for his role in establishing the field of spatial ecology.
Austrian Nikolaus Harnoncourt was recognized for his exceptional creativity that has helped to broaden musical theory.
The Inamori Foundation awarded each recipient a gold medal and $423,700 Thursday in Kyoto.
The Kyoto Prize was founded in 1985 and is awarded to individuals or groups selected from a list of worldwide candidates.
Some information for this report provided by AP.