Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the mission of the Foundation?

The Foundation rewards excellence globally and encourages achievement on the highest levels in fields that contribute to the well being of our world in both science and human rights: Cosmology, the study of the universe; Genetics; Neuroscience; Justice and Women's Rights. The intention of the prize program is to recognize and reward the best work being done anywhere in the world in these fields.

2. Where does the money for the prizes come from?

The Foundation is completely endowed by the Grubers, and receives no outside funding. Peter Gruber's long and successful career in the asset management business has made the Gruber Foundation possible.

3. Who chooses the winners?

Award recipients are selected each year from nominations received from around the world. Each prize has a separate panel of experts who serve and then rotate off. The Selection Advisors meet and make a decision after discussion and deliberation. Selection Advisors for Cosmology are nominated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU); Neuroscience Selection Advisors are nominated by the Society for Neuroscience (SfN); Selection Advisors for Genetics, Justice and Women's Rights are chosen from pre-eminent achievers in the respective fields.

4. How do I apply for Gruber Foundation grants?

The Gruber Foundation's philanthropic focus is on its International Prize Program rather than grants. Most of our limited grant making is done in the United States Virgin Islands, where our headquarters is located. US Virgin Islands grants are largely focused on educational goals in the public and private schools.

5. How do I apply for the International Prize Program?

You cannot apply. You must be nominated, and to be nominated your work must be of international stature. Independent advisory boards comprised of experts in the various fields choose the International Prize Program recipients. Only officially nominated candidates are considered. No self-nominations are accepted.

6. How long are nominations to the Prize Program viable?

Unless selected to receive the Prize, or voted off by the Advisory Board, nominations are kept on an active list for three years. After the third year of consideration, nominations must be resubmitted.

7. Does the Foundation staff participate in the selection process for the Prize Program?

No. Staff members are present only to facilitate the meetings and to note the proceedings. The Advisory Board selects recipients.