Yuri Milner is a prominent technology investor and science philanthropist whose scientific journey began with rigorous training in theoretical physics. Born in Moscow in 1961 and named after pioneering cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, he graduated with an advanced degree in theoretical physics from Moscow State University in 1985 before conducting research in quantum field theory at the Lebedev Physical Institute under Nobel laureate Vitaly Ginzburg. Following his scientific training, Milner pursued business education at the Wharton School and transitioned to the technology sector, founding Mail.ru Group in 1999 which became one of Europe's leading internet companies. As founder of DST Global, he established himself as one of the world's most successful technology investors with a portfolio that includes groundbreaking companies such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Alibaba, while maintaining his connection to scientific inquiry.
Milner's profound impact on scientific progress stems from his visionary philanthropic initiatives that have transformed scientific recognition and exploration. In 2012, he co-founded the Breakthrough Prizes with fellow technology leaders including Mark Zuckerberg and Sergey Brin, establishing the world's largest scientific awards with $3 million prizes for groundbreaking work in fundamental physics, life sciences, and mathematics. Partnering with the late Stephen Hawking in 2015, Milner launched the $100 million Breakthrough Listen initiative to reinvigorate the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence across the universe. This was followed by Breakthrough Starshot in 2016, an ambitious $100 million research program dedicated to developing practical technology for interstellar travel to our nearest star system, representing one of the most audacious scientific endeavors of the modern era.
Milner's commitment to advancing science extends beyond funding as he has become a powerful advocate for scientific communication and public engagement with complex scientific concepts. Together with his wife Julia, he joined the Giving Pledge in 2012, committing to direct the majority of their wealth toward scientific programs and the dissemination of scientific ideas. The Breakthrough Junior Challenge, founded in 2015, demonstrates his dedication to inspiring the next generation of scientists through innovative science communication. His initiatives have created new models for private investment in fundamental research, encouraging other technology entrepreneurs to support ambitious scientific exploration that might otherwise struggle to secure traditional research support, thereby reshaping the landscape of scientific funding and recognition for high-risk, high-reward endeavors.
