News
10 April 2026
BioBasics: What is bioinformatics?
As biology produces more data than ever before, scientists rely on bioinformatics to uncover patterns hidden within DNA, proteins, and other biological systems.
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What makes life work?
By uncovering the secrets underlying fundamental biological processes, we can find innovative approaches to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease.
Foundational science. Profound implications.
Discovery
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.
Innovation
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.
Hope
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.
25 Years of Discovery
The Stowers Institute is dedicated to the next 25 years of biological discovery. In the words of our founders, “The best is yet to be.” Learn how we are honoring the milestone and celebrating the future of biological discovery. Explore a timeline of the Institute's history, hear from founding members, and reflect on the vision of Jim and Virginia Stowers.
25 Years of DiscoveryStowers Institute at a Glance
$2B
Spent on research
500
Members
10
Acre campus
150
Ongoing research projects
Register for Conferences at the Stowers Institute
Stowers Research Conferences: Development, Regulatory Genomics & AI, April 22-24, 2026
Register nowOur unique funding model allows the freedom to explore the unexpected.
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.
The Latest News & Events
What if...?
02 April 2026
The ultimate puzzle: An Investigator’s pursuit of nature’s best solutions
The first story in the Stowers Institute’s new ‘What if?’ campaign follows Associate Investigator Randal Halfmann, PhD, in his search to understand aging and how nature may hold clues to healthier, longer lives.
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Newsletter
31 March 2026
Stowers News March 2026
A 2,000 mile journey to the Institute — by bike. Plus, join us as we ask 'What if?' in a new video series from the Institute.
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News
24 March 2026
Drawn to the invisible
From Germany to Harvard, from Seattle to Kansas City: One scientist's journey on the highway of discovery
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In The News
24 March 2026
Set Phasers to "Kill". No, Not Those Phasers.
From Science Magazine, Halfmann Lab research featured in commentary article.
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In The News
23 March 2026
A geneticist is studying pythons for clues about human health and longevity
From NPR's All Things Considered Podcast, Stowers Postdoc Jasmin Camacho discusses metabolism research
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News
20 March 2026
What the brain still has left to teach us
Understanding the brain means confronting some of biology’s toughest questions. Stowers scientists are exploring how memories last, how neurodegenerative disease begins, and how the brain’s circuitry takes shape.
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News
19 March 2026
Curiosity, Cartoons, and Molecular Biology: Meet the postdoc exploring how proteins fold and function
Postdoc Profile: Inspired by childhood curiosity, Mansoor Hussain, Ph.D., is now building a career around understanding how cells work at their most fundamental level.
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News
18 March 2026
The things around us that remember it all differently
What does it mean to remember? From planarians and fruit flies to jellyfish, zebrafish, and even AI, explore a few of the unique ways memory appears across life and technology. Each of which can be found inside the Stowers Institute.
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Our Organisms
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.
Defining New Frontiers
Kansas City: born from a spirit of discovery
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.