Vilcek Foundation

The Vilcek Foundation awards the Vilcek Prizes annually to immigrants who have made lasting contributions to American society through their extraordinary achievements in biomedical research and the arts and humanities. Two prizes are awarded, one in biomedical research and one in the arts and humanities, in a field designated by the Foundation. In 2014, the arts category is design (previously: fine art, architecture, music, film, culinary arts, literature, dance, and contemporary music).

Vilcek Prize winners each receive $100,000 and a trophy, uniquely designed for each winner by Stefan Sagmeister. The Foundation presents the Vilcek Prizes in an award ceremony held early in spring, in New York City. 

Selection Process 

The Foundation appoints nominators, experts in their fields, and asks them to submit the names of potential award winners to two juries, one composed of medical researchers, and the other, experts in the cultural discipline under consideration for the current year. Each jury selects one award winner and submits its recommendation to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for final approval.  

The Vilcek Foundation regrets that, due to staffing limitations, it cannot respond to unsolicited nominations.