The Japan Prize is an international prize awarded to people who have made original and outstanding achievements in science and technology and are recognised as having contributed to the peace and prosperity of mankind. The creation of the Japan Prize was motivated by the desire to "express Japan's gratitude to international society." Each year two Laureates in two prize categories are selected by a committee which consists of Japanese scholars organised by the Science and Technology Foundation. This is a non-profit organisation established in 1983 under the direction of the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in order to honour those who have made outstanding contributions in the field of science and technology, by awarding the Japan Prize and for the purpose of development and dissemination of ideas and information related to this field.

Dr. John H. Lawton is the fifth Briton to be awarded the prestigious Japan Prize which celebrates its twentieth anniversary in 2004. He is the Laureate in the category of Science and Technology for Conservation of Biodiversity. Dr. Lawton is commended for his work on observational, experimental and theoretical achievements for the scientific understanding and conservation of biodiversity. He is not only a distinguished researcher but also a genuine naturalist. This has enabled him to analyse biodiversity and ecological systems with a unique and accurate insight. His work is internationally renowned and he has acted as a mentor for many distinguished young scientists early in their careers. He is the author and editor of many publications on ecology and is a Scientific Advisor, Presenter and commentator for the BBC. He is currently the Vice President of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Vice President of the British Trust for Ornithology.

On receiving the news that he had been awarded the Japan Prize, Dr. Lawton commented, "I can't believe that I have been awarded this prestigious prize. It is a great honour, and I am very much looking forward to going to Japan to attend the award ceremony in April."

The first Japan Prize was awarded in 1985. Laureates are selected in December each year and the Presentation Ceremony takes place in April of the following year in Tokyo, in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan. The ceremony is also attended by the Prime Minister and senior government officials, as well as by other distinguished guests. The week in which the prize is awarded is designated as "Japan Prize Week." During this period, the Laureates feature at commemorative lectures and take part in a variety of activities, including courtesy calls on the Prime Minister and the Japan Academy.

(Related website: The Science and Technology Foundation of Japan)