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Includes Feature Films, Kistler Prize Acceptance Speeches, Interviews, Lectures, and Scholar Visions of the Long-term Future

 

Recent Publications

“Global Transitions and Asia 2060” Executive Summary

“Water – The Crisis Ahead” Executive Summary

Winter 2010 Newsletter

All Foundation publications are available for download from our Publications page.

 

UPCOMING Events

12th Annual Kistler Prize

• September 30, 2020

“Global Population and the Planetary Future – 2011”

• Humanity 3000 Workshop
• October 27–28, 2011

 

RECENT Events

Norman Myers Lecture

• Walter P. Kistler Lecture Series
• May 2011

“Global Transitions and Asia 2060” Workshop

• Taipei, Taiwan
• November 2010

Peter Ward Lecture

• Walter P. Kistler Lecture Series
• October 2010

11th Annual Kistler Prize

• September 2010

“Managing the Future”

• Talk by Sesh Velamoor
• July 2010

“Water – The Crisis Ahead”

• Humanity 3000 Workshop
• April 2010  [AUDIO FILES]

 

 

 

 

Awards

Kistler Prize

 

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The annual Kistler Prize recognizes original contributions to the understanding of the connection between the human genome and human society, especially those contributions stemming from research conducted with courage and conviction despite opposition from peers or the public.

 

The Purpose

The Kistler Prize was created out of concern for the long-term future of humanity.

Leaders of human societies – constrained by relatively short-term problems related to economics, education, poverty, trade, and international affairs – often show little interest in addressing issues that have consequences for the long-term future of humanity. This attitude has been prevalent from the beginning of the industrial revolution and continues today. At the same time, because of wondrous technological achievements and political ideologies, we have affected reproduction, resulting in higher growth rates of population. The rules of Darwinian selection are being changed, thus affecting the evolutionary processes that have determined the human genome.

Our goal is to raise concerns about the future, to end the “head in the sand” attitude that seems to prevail in human organizations, private and public. Unbiased research into the connection between the human genome and human society, culture, and tradition is urgently needed. The role of nature and of nurture in the development of a human being needs to be better understood.

The purpose of the Kistler Prize is to acknowledge and encourage scientific research that demonstrates the connections between current genetic trends in human populations and the long-term impact on the viability and survivability of the human race, society, and culture.

The Award

The Kistler Prize consists of a US$100,000 cash award and a specially designed gold medallion seated in a leaded glass sculpture. It is named for Walter P. Kistler, originator of the award program and benefactor of the Foundation For the Future.

The Prize is awarded annually to a scientist or research institution that has, with courage and wisdom, pursued the truth and made original, substantive, and innovative contributions in the study of the connections between the human genome and human society.

Please go to the NOMINATION PROCESS page for eligibility requirements.

The Award Banquet and Ceremony

The Kistler Prize is presented personally by Walter Kistler at a formal, invitation-only banquet and ceremony. Recipients of the Prize – whether they are individuals or representatives of research institutions – must attend the ceremony in person as a condition of receiving the Prize. The Foundation makes all arrangements for this formal event. Guests include distinguished academic, business, and political leaders.