Paul Allen's estate gives $125 million to set up immunology institute
Paul Allen’s estate is making its first major philanthropic gift after his death, giving $125 million to establish a research division focused on the immune system and related diseases.
The Allen Institute announced Wednesday that the Microsoft co-founder made the commitment to start the Allen Institute for Immunology, a project he was working on before he died at age 65 in October. It’s the fourth division to be established under the nonprofit, with others focused on cells, the brain and providing grants to further advances in medical science.
Allan Jones, chief executive officer of the institute, described the announcement as “bittersweet” after Allen’s death from complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While other units have made important scientific advances that will ultimately translate into medical applications, Jones said, “this is really the first time that we’ve made a pretty significant investment in something that has a direct application to human health.”
Allen undertook a variety of business and philanthropic endeavors in the three decades after he left Microsoft. At least half his $26 billion fortune is probably earmarked for charitable purposes after he joined the Giving Pledge. He provided the bulk of funding for the Allen Institute, which was started in 2003 and employs about 500 people. Allen’s sister Jody is on the board.
Read more: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/paul-allens-estate-gives-125-million-to-set-up-immunology-institute/
