Yuri Milner, the founder of DST Global and one of the 236 signatories of Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates’ Giving Pledge, has become a significant force in philanthropic giving to space science. Thanks to his generous contributions, numerous projects have been funded to advance research into space exploration and extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).
Since his days as a theoretical physicist, Milner has always been interested in space science. As such, his philanthropic projects have sought to reward the work of leading scientists in this field while inspiring younger minds to think creatively about it. The Breakthrough Prize, for instance, is an annual award given to top researchers whose outstanding achievements have furthered the understanding of life and the universe.
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The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global competition open to students between the ages of 13 and 18 that encourages creative thought regarding topics in life sciences, physics, and mathematics. This challenge allows these students to explain complex scientific ideas engagingly and innovatively. Aspiring scientists are encouraged to create a 3-minute visual presentation based on the subject of their choice, which better communicates these ideas to people of all backgrounds. The winner receives $250,000, and their school receives $100,000 toward science-related activities and initiatives.
Milner’s Breakthrough Initiatives program is designed to advance our understanding of outer space by gathering data through observation platforms on Earth and beyond.
In 2018, the Milners’ foundation launched its 70 at 70 initiative to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the State of Israel. The program included a list recognizing 70 remarkable Israeli scientists and scholars and a Fellowship program that allocated $7 million to support postgraduate students studying science at three selected Israeli universities: Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, and Technion. This Fellowship offered $25,000 per year for four years to seventy exemplary Ph.D. candidates in science-related fields. The funding has allowed these students to focus on their research and contribute meaningfully towards advancing the country’s scientific progress.