Who We Are

The Dan David Society of Fellows at Tel Aviv University was established through the visionary generosity of the Dan David Foundation, founded in 2001 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Dan David. 

​

For over two decades, the Foundation has been dedicated to supporting world-class research, higher education, and transformative humanistic inquiry. Its flagship initiative, the Dan David Prize, initially awarded $1 million annually across fields representing the past, present, and future. 

​

A Reimagined Vision for the Humanities

​

In 2021, marking the 20th anniversary of the Prize, the Dan David Foundation redirected its primary focus toward one of the most critical challenges of our time: the global decline in funding for the humanities. Recognizing that understanding the past is vital for preserving free, democratic, and informed public debate, the Foundation reinvented its core mission. 

​

Today, the Dan David Prize stands as the world's largest award dedicated to the study of the past, celebrating outstanding early- and mid-career scholars and practitioners. 

​

Our Role

​

The Dan David Society of Fellows is an integral part of this reimagined constellation. Working in harmony with the Prize and the Foundation, the Society nurtures exceptional postdoctoral talent. Together, we empower scholars whose research illuminates human history, fosters rigorous academic debate, and enriches global public discourse.