Relatively a new endeavor, the Dan David prize is one of the most esteemed awards awarded every year. One exceptional feature about it is that it includes three time dimensions: past, present and future. Every one of these embodies a great accomplishment by one or more individuals.

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

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

The year 2006 was a great year:
- The renowned artist Yo-Yo Ma won the award for the past, for preserving our cultural heritage.
- Four eminent journalists: Goenawan Mohamad, Adam Michnik, Monica Gonzalez and Magdi Allam, won the award 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 vast contributions for treatment of cancer and cancer therapy.