The Japan Prize Foundation announced today that Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator Brian Druker is one of four scientists to receive the 2012 Japan Prize, one of the world's most prestigious awards in science and technology.

Druker, who is at Oregon Health and Science University, was honored with Janet Rowley of the University of Chicago and Nicholas Lydon of Blueprint Medicines for their contribution to the “development of a new therapeutic drug targeting cancer-specific molecules,” according to the prize citation. Japanese scientist Masato Sagawa of Intermetallics Co., Ltd., was selected to receive the accolade for “developing the world’s highest-performing neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) type permanent magnet and contributing to energy conservation.”

The 2012 Japan Prize laureates will each receive a certificate of recognition and a commemorative gold medal at an award ceremony during Japan Prize Week in Tokyo on April 25, 2012. A cash award of 50 million Japanese yen (approximately $650,000) will also be given to each field - this year the three laureates in the healthcare and medical technology field will split the prize equally.

Since its inception in 1985, the Japan Prize Foundation has awarded the Japan Prize to 74 people from 13 countries. In addition to awarding the Japan Prize, which is endorsed by the Japanese government, the Foundation has been hosting "Easy-to-Understand Science and Technology" seminars and awarding research grants to help nurture young scientists and further promote the advancement of science and technology. For additional details about the Japan Prize Foundation and its activities, please visit http://www.japanprize.jp