The initiative for the Prize was taken by a Norwegian-American, Fred Kavli, and it has been set up as a joint venture between the Kavli Foundation, the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, and the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. Each prize consists of USD 1 million in cash, a medal and a diploma. The Kavli Prize is awarded in Oslo every two years.
Increasing focus on research
The Prize is intended not only as an accolade for the individual scientists concerned, but also as a recognition of research efforts that are of the utmost importance for the future of humankind. It aims to promote international cooperation between researchers and to increase awareness of the importance of research among the general public.
International selection committees
The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters has full responsibility for selecting the prize-winners to ensure that this process is independent of the funding organisation. The Academy has set up three selection committees made up of top international scientists within the fields for which the prize is awarded. Four of the committee members are Nobel Laureates. The committee members have been chosen in close cooperation with the corresponding institutions in the USA, China, France, the UK and Germany.