“A large part of my research isn’t just in the creation of new methods, but it’s also in their proliferation,” Magruder said. “Making them usable so that, suddenly, it’s not just me using this tool. It’s the entire academic community.”

“Sumner’s relentless curiosity drives him to look at problems in ways most do not,” said Scientific Director Kausik Si, Ph.D. “His perspective will accelerate how we approach research from new angles and ask questions that, not long ago, were out of reach.”

At the Institute, Magruder will collaborate with 20 independent research programs and 15 Technology Centers to design new algorithms tailored to biological questions, working with researchers to unlock insights from increasingly large and complex datasets.

“The future of biology will be written at the intersection of data, computation, and discovery,” said President and Chief Scientific Officer Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, Ph.D. “By investing in AI and this fellowship, we are ensuring that our scientists have the intellectual and technological tools to pioneer in this new era.”

About the Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Founded in 1994 through the generosity of Jim Stowers, founder of American Century Investments, and his wife, Virginia, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research is a non-profit, biomedical research organization with a focus on foundational research. Its mission is to expand our understanding of the secrets of life and improve life’s quality through innovative approaches to the causes, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

The Institute consists of 20 independent research programs. Of the approximately 500 members, over 370 are scientific staff that include principal investigators, technology center directors, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, and technical support staff. Learn more about the Institute at www.stowers.org and about its graduate program at www.stowers.org/gradschool.

Media Contact: 
Joe Chiodo, Director of Communications 
724.462.8529 
press@stowers.org