Physical Sciences

The Nobel Prizes are widely regarded as the most prestigious awards given for outstanding work and intellectual achievement in the world to those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind. The Prizes are awarded annually from a fund bequeathed for that purpose by the Swedish inventor and industrialist Alfred Nobel. The prizes in Chemistry, Literature, Peace, Physics and Physiology or Medicine were first awarded in 1901.

The Breakthrough Prizes honour immensely important, primarily recent, achievements in the categories of Fundamental Physics, Life Sciences and Mathematics. Committees of previous laureates choose the winners from candidates nominated in a process that?s online and open to the public. Laureates receive US$ 3 million each in prize money. They attend a televised award ceremony designed to celebrate their achievements and inspire the next generation of scientists. As part of the ceremony schedule, they also engage in a program of lectures and discussions.