THE GENETICS PRIZE

The Genetics Prize is presented to a leading scientist, or group of scientists, in recognition of ground-breaking contributions to any realm of genetics research.

The Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation established and awarded its first Genetics Prize during the year 2001. This year of monumental accomplishment in genetics research, with the successful sequencing of the human genome, was a particularly auspicious time to launch the world's first major international prize devoted specifically to achievements in the realm of genetics research.

Created one hundred and thirty-five years after Gregor Mendel discovered hereditary laws that implied the existence of genetic factors, the Genetics Prize is awarded under the guidance of an international advisory board of distinguished genetics scientists.

Beginning in 2001, the Prize, a gold medal and $500,000 cash prize is awarded for fundamental insights in the field of genetics. These may include original discoveries in genomic organization, function, regulation, variation, and transmission.