Four scientists of astronomy, life science and medicine, and mathematical sciences domains were presented the Shaw Prize here Friday at a prize-giving ceremony.

The Astronomy Award was jointly awarded to Professor Geoffrey Marcy of University of California and Professor Michel Mayor of University of Geneva. They were commended for finding and characterizing the orbits and masses of the first planets around other stars, thereby revolutionizing our understanding of the processes that form planets and planetary systems.

Life Science and Medicine Award went to Professor Sir Michael Berridge of Babraham Institute, Cambridge of Britain, for his discoveries on calcium signaling in the regulation of cellular activity.

Professor Andrew John Wiles of Princeton University gained the Mathematical Sciences Award for his proof of Fermat's Last Theorem.

Established in 2002 under the auspices of Run Run Shaw, Hong Kong's famous industrialist, the Shaw Prize consists of three annual prizes of Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences. Each prize bears a monetary award of one million US dollars.

The prize honors individuals who have achieved significant breakthrough in academic and scientific research or application and whose work has resulted in a positive and profound impact on the mankind.

Source: Xinhua