[5] It also runs frequent essay contests open to the general public with $40,000 in prizes awarded by a jury panel and the best texts published in book format.
[10] The $6.2 million seed funding was donated by the John Templeton Foundation, whose goal is to reconcile science and religion.
The institute's scientific advisory board is also filled with top scientists.
"[11] Critics of the John Templeton Foundation such as Sean Carroll have also stated they were satisfied that the FQxI is independent.
[14] Five FQxI Members are awardees of the Nobel Prize in Physics: Gerard 't Hooft, Anthony Leggett, Frank Wilczek, Roger Penrose, and Anton Zeilinger.