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The Stowers Institute for Medical Research seeks more effective means of preventing and curing disease through basic research on genes and proteins that control fundamental processes of cellular life.
Basic Facts About the Stowers Institute
Fact Sheet
Our Mission
Scientists at the Institute study the way genes determine biological fate and how they can be altered to prevent, treat, or cure disease. Stowers Institute scientists work to broaden the base of knowledge of specific cellular and molecular changes that may be involved in causing disease. This work is essential to understanding most of the illnesses that now challenge medical science, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, and many more.
Our Research
Research underway at the Institute relies on animal models such as mice, chick embryos, zebra fish, fruit flies, round worms, and yeast. The reason for using "model species" is that humans have a genetic plan quite similar to that of other species. But, unlike humans, these model species can be grown rapidly and their genes mutated at will. It is by studying the consequences of mutations that scientists are able to determine the function of normal genes. Research is also conducted with cultured human cells, including human embryonic stem cells. Individual scientists at the Stowers Institute generally specialize in the study of specific genes, to determine if or how those genes influence various diseases.
Founders
In the early 1990’s, Jim and Virginia Stowers began to realize that the mutual fund company Mr. Stowers had founded was making them wealthy far beyond what they or their children could possibly need. Instead of eventually leaving their assets behind for others to make decisions about their use, the Stowers decided to launch their own magnificent endeavor to help humanity by supporting the basic research that promises long-term solutions to cancer and other gene-based diseases.
Mr. and Mrs. Stowers were motivated to found the Stowers Institute by a combination of their own experiences in surviving cancer (prostate and breast, respectively) and their desire to give future generations better choices for treatment in the face of serious illness.
Financial Support
Jim and Virginia Stowers endowed the Institute with gifts totaling $2 billion. The endowment resides in a large cash reserve and in substantial ownership of American Century Investments, a privately held mutual fund company that represents exceptional value for the Institute’s future. Additionally, interested donors can support basic biomedical research through the Institute's Hope Shares® program.
The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is classified by the IRS as a Medical Research Organization. It is a not-for-profit corporation and a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Leaders
In 1999, Robert E. Krumlauf, Ph.D., was named Scientific Director, joining the Institute from England's National Institute for Medical Research at Mill Hill, London. A few months later, William B. Neaves, Ph.D., joined the Institute as President and CEO, coming from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. David M. Chao, Ph.D., was appointed president of the Stowers Institute in July of 2009 and will become president and CEO in July of 2010. Dr. Chao was formerly president and CEO of BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc., the organziation responsible for translating the Institute's discoveries into applications for human health. In July of 2010, Dr. Neaves will transition to the role of president emeritus and undertake new responsibilities to carry the Institute into the future.
People
Eventually, the Stowers Institute will house more than 30 independent research programs in its Kansas City facility, each with an average of 10-20 scientists, research associates, and technicians totaling approximately 600 people, including other support staff and the administrative team.
By 2009, the Institute housed 21 independent research programs plus three technology development programs in bioinformatics, proteomics, and imaging, and nearly 350 scientists, research associates, technicians and support staff. Stowers researchers hail from more than 20 countries around they world, and come together each day in collaboration to unravel the mysteries of human health.
The Stowers scientific staff is supported by about 150 non-scientists who manage everything from accounting to purchasing to facility maintenance, allowing Institute scientists to focus on research.
Facility
The Stowers Institute opened the doors on a 10-acre research campus in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri in November of 2000. The 600,000-square-foot, $300 million facility houses laboratories, research support facilities, administrative services, and a maintenance team. The Institute acquired the former site of Menorah Hospital in 1995. Renovation of the campus took three years and was financed by long-term, tax-exempt medical research facilities revenue bonds.
Technology
The Institute's endowments have enabled the creation of a state-of-the-art research environment that offers scientists cutting-edge technology — technology that enables researchers to work better and faster to answer biological questions and seek more effective ways of preserving health and preventing disease.
Upon arrival of a new research team, the Institute evaluates what equipment researchers will need to begin their work. If the Institute does not already own that equipment, the best available equipment is purchased.
Builders & Architects
Construction of the Stowers Institute occurred
under the direction of J.E. Dunn Construction Co., the general contractor. The
general architect, with primary responsibility for the exterior and overall
design, was the Kansas City firm of Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets. MBT Architecture
of San Francisco, one of the few architectural firms in the country specializing
in research facilities, designed the laboratory spaces and other areas related
to research.
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