breakthrough prize foundationassisting a Who’s Who of internet luminaries, goodwin attorneys helped establish the breakthrough prizes in Life Sciences, Mathematics and physics, awarded by not-for-profit organizations dedicated to recognizing excellence in research aimed at curing intractable diseases and extending human life and to advancing our knowledge of the universe.

The Breakthrough Prizes in Life Sciences, Mathematics and Physics seek to advance breakthrough research, celebrate scientists and generate excitement about the pursuit of science as a career by awarding annual prizes in the fields of life sciences, physics and mathematics. The founders are Yuri Milner, Sergey Brin and Anne Wojcicki, Mark Zuckerberg and his spouse Priscilla Chan, and Jack Ma and his spouse Cathy Zhang. The prizes reward groundbreaking achievements, with the aim of providing the recipients more freedom and opportunity to pursue even greater future accomplishments.

More than 30 Breakthrough Prizes have been awarded as of December 2014. Each winner received $3 million and an invitation to serve on the selection committee to choose recipients of future prizes. The announcement of the initial Breakthrough Prizes received international attention, in line with the goal of raising public awareness of scientists who have made a significant impact.

The Goodwin team was responsible for creating the foundations that award the Breakthrough Prizes and structuring nomination and selection procedures in conformance with the rules for 501(c)(3) organizations. Goodwin continues to advise the foundations with respect to governance, tax and operational matters.

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