By uncovering the secrets underlying fundamental biological processes, we can find innovative approaches to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease.
Foundational research is where cures begin. Discoveries resulting from studying the fundamental processes of life frequently prove to be major milestones toward novel therapies and treatments.
World-class equipment and collaborative partnerships. Our researchers work side-by-side with experts in our Technology Centers. The unique model has catapulted the Institute to the forefront of innovative science.
We are dedicated to encouraging motivated individuals to pursue science or science-related professions — from our accredited Graduate School to our training programs for post-docs, post-bacs and undergrads.
$2B
Spent on research
500
Members
10
Acre campus
150
Ongoing research projects
Join us for the fall 2026 Stowers Research Conference. Registration is now open!
Oct 21-23, 2026
Register now
Transformational science requires the transformation of science. Through the unparalleled generosity and vision of our founders, Jim and Virginia Stowers, we have a scientific ecosystem that encourages discovery and innovation. Jim, founder of American Century Investments, and Virginia followed their initial generous investment by establishing a funding model that provides ongoing support of our research through the annual dividends from American Century Investments. Because of this structure, Stowers scientists are uniquely positioned to explore with freedom, and allowed the ability to follow biological avenues that lead to novel discoveries and to share their findings for the betterment of humanity.
Join the Fall 2027 class and take the next step in your scientific journey.
Apply HerePress Release
23 October 2026
Stowers Institute scientists found that the sea anemone Nematostella uses many of the same proteins humans rely on to make eggs and sperm, offering the potential for new insights into infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects
Read Article
In The News
23 October 2026
From KCTV5, The Halfmann Lab is helping lead an innovative research effort using artificial intelligence to better understand protein changes linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
Read Article
Press Release
14 October 2026
Tissues constantly add cells as they grow but somehow remain organized. A new study from the Gibson Lab reveals how part of this complex, poorly understood process works — providing new insights into how tissues change during development, regeneration, and disease.
Read Article
Press Release
09 October 2026
The new award brings together a team of scientists who will combine AI, large-scale experiments and human-cell studies to predict harmful protein changes before disease takes hold.
Read Article
In The News
29 September 2026
From Technology Networks: The Stern Lab reveals a shared structural blueprint among thousands of rapidly evolving aphid proteins.
Read Article
In The News
24 September 2026
From Phys.org: The Stern Lab reveals how evolution helped AI predict the structures of thousands of rapidly evolving aphid proteins.
Read Article
Press Release
22 September 2026
In an evolutionary arms race with plants, aphids deploy thousands of rapidly evolving proteins. A team led by Stowers Institute and HHMI Investigator David Stern, Ph.D., discovered a shared architecture beneath them and revealed how evolution can help AI predict similar protein structures across biology.
Read Article
News
15 September 2026
New single-cell atlas of the acorn worm shows that most tissues undergo a genome-wide transcriptional overhaul as larva becomes adult, providing new insights into how some organisms remake their bodies in ways humans can’t.
Read Article
News
15 September 2026
Augusto Ortega Granillo, Ph.D., reflects on his journey from the Stowers Graduate School to his postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute
Read Article
Answers to fundamental questions of biology can be found by turning to nature. From mice, fruit flies, yeast, and bacteria, to plants, planarians, sea anemones, coral, killifish, apple snails, and more, a broad range of research organisms reside at the Institute.
Cared for by dedicated teams of technicians, each was carefully chosen based on their ability to solve specific biological questions — aiding in advancing our understanding of how life works.
Learn more about our organisms and their extraordinary biological feats.
Incredible science comes from curious and creative minds. Our bold and innovative approach to research is the perfect match for the dynamic culture and profound pride you’ll find in Kansas City. Similar to the Stowers Institute, Kansas City is pushing boundaries. An incredible food and music scene, world-class art institutions, and championship sports teams are just a few of the great attributes that set KC apart. See why we’ve chosen the heart of the country as our home.
