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2d ago

Jeffrey Lurie Launches Autism Institute With $50 Million Gift

Under Interim Director Dan Rader, the institute is conducting an international search for its founding director to establish a global center for lifespan autism research.

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Apr 28, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia Eagles' owner Jeffrey Lurie speaks as President Donald Trump honors the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles at The White House in Washington D.C., on April 28, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY via Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie donated $50 million, marking the largest single gift to a U.S. academic center dedicated to autism research.
  • The institute unites the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, which together support 47 autism research teams working under 120 NIH grants.
  • Interim Director Dr. Dan Rader will oversee studies of genetic predispositions and environmental exposures to advance understanding of autism across all ages.
  • The institute will introduce a Next-Generation Program in Autism Bioscience certificate for PhD trainees and postdocs, host an annual international symposium and award a research prize.
  • An international search is underway to appoint a founding director who will guide the institute’s global research collaborations.