About us

The Berkeley 100 Foundation advances science by identifying 100 of the world’s most important scientific challenges, and supporting efforts to solve them through a global, prize-based competition.

We foster collaboration among leading researchers, institutions, and emerging scientists to drive meaningful, high-impact discovery across disciplines.

We envision a future where clearly defined scientific challenges spark bold thinking, global cooperation, and breakthrough innovation.

By restoring science to the forefront of public purpose, the Berkeley 100 Foundation aims to accelerate progress, expand human understanding, help solve the most pressing problems facing humanity and ensure fact-based inquiry continues to thrive in our complex world.

Why we started a science challenge

We created the Berkeley 100 Foundation because history shows that well-defined scientific challenges drive real progress.

From the Longitude Prize to the Orteig Prize, and from Hilbert’s Problems to Fermat’s Last Theorem, clear goals have consistently focused brilliant minds and led to breakthroughs with lasting impact.

These challenges work because they are ambitious, specific, and designed to sustain long-term effort. With the right support and structure, the Berkeley 100 can do the same for today’s most pressing scientific problems.

Foundation leadership

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Join us in advancing science—your support funds breakthrough research, empowers global talent, and drives solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.