The Japanese co-winner of the first Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science last year said Monday that curiosity is the key driving force behind his success, an element he said is important in scientific research.

Tasuku Honjo, an immunology and genomic medicine professor at Kyoto University, said his advice for people who want to pursue a career in scientific research is what he called the "six Cs": curiosity, courage, challenges, continuation, concentration and confidence.

"Curiosity is the most important," he said in English before giving a talk in Taipei.