Facebook & Google collaborate on $15m medicine prize
A gathering of the founders of some of the world’s largest technology firms; including Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and Google’s Sergei Brin, have announced a new $15m annual prize for scientists who develop cures for the world’s deadliest diseases.
The Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences is geared toward curing cancer and other killers and will see five scientists become the lucky recipients of £3m each in recognition of ‘recognizing excellence in research aimed at curing intractable diseases and extending human life.’
For the inauguration of the award however 11 scientists were each handed $3m to further their research, including Charles L. Sawyer for his pioneering work on cancer genes and Shinya Yamanaka for innovative work on stem cells.
Zuckerberg said. "We believe the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences has the potential to provide a platform for other models of philanthropy, so people everywhere have an opportunity at a better future."