Relatively a new enterprise, the Dan David prize is one of the most esteemed awards awarded every year. One unique aspect about it is that it includes three time dimensions: past, present and future. Every one of these represents a great achievement by one or more individuals.

The past refers to accomplishments that assist us in expanding our knowledge of the past.
The present refers to accomplishments that contribute to our modern society.
The future refers to accomplishments that have the greatest of potential for the advancing our future.

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

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

Tags: 1 million dollars, adam michnik, eminent artist, john mendelsohn, magdi allam, monica gonzalez, yo yo ma