The Foundational Questions Institute, styled FQxI (formerly FQXi), is an organization that provides grants to "catalyze, support, and disseminate research on questions at the foundations of physics and cosmology."[1] It was founded in 2005 by cosmologists Max Tegmark and Anthony Aguirre,.[2] It has run multiple worldwide grant competitions (in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019), the first of which provided US$2M to 30 projects.[3] 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.[4]

FQxI is an independent, philanthropically funded non-profit organization, run by scientists for scientists.

The $6.2 million seed funding was donated by the John Templeton Foundation, whose goal is to reconcile science and religion. Tegmark has stated that the money came with "no strings attached"; The Boston Globe stated FQxI is run by "two well-respected researchers who say they are not religious. The institute's scientific advisory board is also filled with top scientists."[5] Critics of the John Templeton Foundation such as Sean Carroll have also stated they were satisfied that the FQxI is independent.[6][7]

Notable members

FQXi members include[8]

Among others

References

  1. ^ About the Foundational Questions Institute
  2. ^ Schwarzchild, Bertram (December 2005). "News notes: Foundational Questions Institute". Physics Today. 58 (12): 31. Bibcode:2005PhT....58T..31F. doi:10.1063/1.2169440.
  3. ^ Merali, Zeeya (2007-11-15). "Is mathematical pattern the theory of everything?". New Scientist. Reed Business Information.
  4. ^ "Essay Contest page". fqxi.org. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  5. ^ "Initiative will join physics, theology". Boston Globe. 31 July 2006. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
  6. ^ Epstein, David (1 August 2006). "Separation of Church and Science". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
  7. ^ "Foundational Questioners Announced". Sean Carroll (blog). 31 July 2006. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
  8. ^ "FQxI Membership". Retrieved 27 January 2020.

External links

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