Life Sciences

In the fifty years between the discovery of the double helix and the decoding of the human genome, we have undergone a revolution in our understanding of life. Since then the rate of discoveries has accelerated, and this rapid progress looks set to continue. Armed with new knowledge and new technologies, fields like genetics, molecular biology, oncology and neurology are now making real strides. Not just in describing how cells and organs function but in fighting some of the most deadly diseases.

The Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences honors transformative advances toward understanding living systems and extending human life.

The Prize was founded in 2013 by Sergey Brin, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, Yuri and Julia Milner, and Anne Wojcicki. It has been sponsored by the personal foundations established by Sergey Brin, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, Ma Huateng, Jack Ma, Yuri and Julia Milner, and Anne Wojcicki.