Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of the Foundation?
The Gruber Foundation honors individuals in the fields of Cosmology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Justice, and Women’s Rights whose groundbreaking work provides new models that inspire and enable fundamental shifts in knowledge and culture.
Where does the money for the prizes come from?
The Foundation was completely endowed by the Grubers, and is funded through Yale. It has received no outside funding. Peter Gruber’s long and successful career in the asset management business made The Gruber Foundation possible.
Who chooses the Prize recipients?
Each prize has a separate panel of experts who serve and then rotate off. The Selection Advisors meet and make a decision after discussion and deliberation. Selection Advisors for Cosmology are nominated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU); Genetics Selection Advisors are nominated by the Genetics Society of America (GSA); Neuroscience Selection Advisors are nominated by the Society for Neuroscience (SfN).
How do I apply for Gruber Foundation grants?
The Gruber Foundation is not a grant-making organization.
How do I apply for the International Prize Program?
You cannot apply. You must be nominated, and to be nominated your work must be of international stature. Independent advisory boards comprised of experts in the various fields choose the International Prize Program recipients. Only officially nominated candidates are considered. No self-nominations are accepted.
May I nominate more than one person for a Gruber Prize?
Yes. There is no limit to how many nominations a nominator may submit.
How do I make a joint nomination for a Gruber Prize?
Joint nominations are usually submitted on separate forms but using the same supporting texts and materials. It is useful to note on the forms that it is a joint nomination of nominee 1 and nominee 2.
How long are nominations to the Prize Program viable?
Unless selected to receive the Prize, or voted off by the Advisory Board, nominations are kept on an active list for three years. After the third year of consideration, nominations must be resubmitted.
Does the Foundation staff participate in the selection process for the Prize Program?
No. Staff members are present only to facilitate the meetings and to note the proceedings. The Selection Advisory Board selects recipients.
How do I apply for the Gruber Program for Global Justice and Women's Rights?
Certain components of this program are open to Yale students or faculty members from Yale or other universities. The program is administered by Yale Law School, and further information is available via: http://www.law.yale.edu/intellectuallife/gruberprogram.htm
How do I apply for the Young Scientist Awards?
The Gruber Foundation funds these awards, but they are administered by the affiliated science organizations. Please see the YSA page for further information.
How do I apply for the Gruber Science Fellowship at Yale?
The Gruber Science Fellowship is offered to promising Yale applicants upon admission to the University, there is no application process.
Are the Grubers still involved in the Foundation?
Yes. Patricia Gruber is a lifetime member of the Board of Directors of The Gruber Foundation along with Waring Partridge.
Does The Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation still exist?
No, it has been closed.