The Kavli Foundation, based in Los Angeles, California, is a foundation that supports the advancement of science and the increase of public understanding and support for scientists and their work.
The Kavli Foundation was established in December 2000 by its founder and benefactor, Fred Kavli, a Norwegian business leader and philanthropist, who made his money by creating Kavlico, a company that made sensors, and by investing in real estate in southern California and Nevada.
The Kavli Prize recognizes scientists for breakthroughs in three research areas: astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience.
After making their selections, the recommendations of these prize committees are then confirmed by The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.
The Kavli Foundation's 20 institutes focus on astrophysics, nanoscience, neuroscience and theoretical physics.