“Wilczek is one of those rare and wonderful individuals who bring together a keen, creative intellect and an appreciation for transcendent beauty”, the foundation giving the award says.

“Collins has demonstrated how religious faith can motivate rigorous scientific research”, the John Templeton Foundation has said. Francis Collins: “The person of Jesus emerged as the most profound truth-teller I had ever encountered”.

The Brazilian physicist defends “a complementary approach to knowledge, especially on questions where science cannot provide a final answer”.

“His writings made theism a serious option within academic philosophy”, the John Templeton Foundation says. Plantinga hopes “the Prize will encourage young philosophers.”

The Canadian philosopher received the prize for his work at L’Arche, a network of communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities live and work together