Rewarding Good Science

The Breakthrough Prize ceremony is sometimes called the "Oscars of Science." Along with the Lasker and Nobel, it ranks among the highest recognitions in science and medicine. People who are awarded — or even considered — for these honors have often spent decades doing work that has changed whether some people survive conditions that would otherwise have killed or impaired them. It's quite a calling. And quite an achievement.

The Breakthrough Prize trophy was created by Olafur Eliasson.This photo is courtesy of the Breakthrough Prize

Since its founding in 2013, the Breakthrough Prize has awarded more than $340 million to scientists and researchers. Each main laureate receives a staggering $3 million — surpassing even the Nobel Prize's cash purse — while early-career researchers are recognized with $100,000 New Horizons Prizes and $50,000 New Frontiers Prizes. This kind of private-sector support resonates especially now, when public funding has become increasingly uncertain.

For more on the prize, its organizers and this year’s winners, you need to be a subscriber.