King Faisal Foundation was established in 1976 by the eight sons of the late King Faisal ibn Abd Al Aziz, a son of Saudi Arabia's founder and the Kingdom's third monarch. The ongoing memorial to a great man has revitalized the traditions of Arabic and Islamic Philanthropy.

Of the many philanthropic activities of the Foundation, the King Faisal International Prize is the most widely known. By drawing attention to important issues and rewarding gifted scientists who have made these issues a priority in their careers, it is hoped that the direct and indirect effects of the Prize will be far reaching.

Prizes for Service to Islam, Islamic Studies, and Arabic Literature were established in 1977 and first awarded in 1979. In 1981 the Prize Board added Medicine; Science was included in 1982. They were awarded in 1982 and 1984 respectively.

Each year, the selection committees designate subjects in Islamic Studies, Arabic Literature, and Medicine. Topics in Islamic Studies highlight areas of importance in Muslim society; Arabic Literature related to specialized areas within the discipline. Subjects in Medicine are reflecting current areas of international concern. The Science subcategories cover a broad scope: physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology.

Nominations for the Prizes are accepted from international institutions and organizations only, and not from individuals or political parties. Winners of the Prize for Service to Islam are chosen directly by the respective selection committee. For other Prize categories, pre selection by peer reviewers is carried out, following which the works of worthy nominees are submitted for further scrutiny by selected referees appropriate to each discipline. Autonomous, international, specialist selection committees are then convened at the headquarters of King Faisal Foundation in Riyadh each January to make their final decisions.

Merit alone governs the rigorous selection procedures, earning King Faisal International Prize the distinction of being among the most prestigious of international awards to scholars and scientists who have made the most significant advances to benefit humanity and enrich human knowledge. This year's awards bring the total number of laureates to 229 distinguished individuals from 41 different countries.

Each of the five Prize categories consists of a certificate, hand written in Diwani calligraphy, summarizing the laureate's work; a commemorative 24 carat, 200 gram gold medal, uniquely cast for each Prize; and a cash endowment of SR750,000 (US$200,000). Co winners in any category share the monetary grant. The Prizes are awarded during a ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the auspices of the King of Saudi Arabia.

King Faisal International Prize laureates have earned numerous other prestigious national and international prizes for their efforts. In some cases, King Faisal International Prize has preceded other international awards, including even the Nobel Prize, thus validating the rigorous and unbiased selection process.

The granting of these Prizes embodies King Faisal Foundation's firm belief that through the collective efforts of outstanding individuals the highest aspirations of mankind are realized. The Prizes enable the Foundation to show its appreciation to men and women who have made truly outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

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