UW Research

Breakthrough Prize

The Breakthrough Prize dubbed the “Oscars of Science,” recognizes the world’s top scientists presented in the fields of Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics, and currently includes a $3M prize. Laureates are honored at an annual ceremony broadcast globally and, laureates engage in a public program of lectures and discussions. Selection Committees composed of previous Breakthrough Prize laureates in each field choose the winners.

  • 2021 – Blayne Heckel, Physics (Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics)
  • 2021 – Eric Adelberger, Physics (Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics)
  • 2021 – David Baker, Biochemistry (Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences)
  • 2021 – Jens H. Gundlach, Physics (Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics)
  • 2020 – Lukasz Fidkowski, Physics (Breakthrough Prize – New Horizons in Physics Prize)