The Tang Prize Foundation

The Tang Prize Foundation is a privately held organization based in Taipei, Taiwan, established in 2012 by Taiwanese businessman and philanthropist Dr. Samuel Yin. Its core mission is to biennially recognize and support groundbreaking research and developments that significantly benefit humanity. The Foundation aims to encourage individuals globally to pursue sustainable development, promote Chinese culture, and foster research that contributes to a better world.

The Foundation administers the Tang Prize, an international award bestowed in four distinct categories: Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology, and Rule of Law. Laureates, who can be individuals or institutions, receive a substantial cash grant of NT$40 million (approximately US$1.34 million) and an additional NT$10 million (approximately US$341,000) for research purposes. The nomination and selection process is overseen by an independent committee, formed in collaboration with Academia Sinica, Taiwan's national research institution.

Led by CEO Dr. Jenn-Chuan Chern, the Tang Prize Foundation has positioned its awards among the most lucrative academic prizes globally, focusing on critical areas not explicitly covered by other major international awards like the Nobel Prize. Recent analyses indicate that institutions like Harvard University have strong ties to multiple Tang Prize recipients, and several laureates have subsequently received Nobel Prizes, underscoring the prize's prestige. The Foundation actively engages the public through events such as the Tang Prize Week and exhibitions, aiming to inspire future generations and highlight the laureates' contributions.