Relatively a new enterprise, the Dan David prize is one of the most prestigious awards given every year. One unique feature about it is that it includes three time frames: past, present and future. Each one of these represents a great accomplishment by one or more individuals.

The past refers to accomplishments that help expand our knowledge of the past.
The present refers to achievements that contribute to our contemporary society.
The future refers to achievements that have the greatest of potential for the improving our future.

This award is not restricted to one field, or even to science alone, which is another element that makes it unique. In every year a specific subject is chosen for every time frame. Furthermore, each prize consists of 1 million dollars, though 10% of these are contributed by the laureates to students and scholars in the chosen field for the given time frame.

The year 2006 was a great year:
- The eminent cellist Yo-Yo Ma won the award for the past, for preserving our cultural heritage.
- Four renowned journalists: Goenawan Mohamad, Adam Michnik, Monica Gonzalez and Magdi Allam, were given the prize for the present, for for fighting and risking their lives for unrestricted press.
- Two renowned scientists: Dr. John Mendelsohn, and Dr. Joseph Schlessinger, won the award for the future, for their enormous contributions for treatment of cancer and cancer therapy.