Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Their collective vision was to create a world class research institution, in their hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, devoted to understanding biology at its most fundamental level.

Jim and Virginia bestowed nearly $2 billion of their personal wealth to build the facility and to attract top-tier scientists from around the world.

[5] In addition to the Stowers’ initial financial gift, they established a unique funding model to ensure continued support for research.

These research organisms allow Stowers scientists to answer fundamental biological questions like how specific genes and proteins are expressed and regulated in development and in mature organisms, mechanisms governing regeneration, the role of prions and amyloid formation in both memory loss and persistence.

[17] The program focuses on collaboration, mentorship, and access to advanced technologies, along with professional and personal development plans to ensure the success of transitioning to independent research opportunities.

[18] The Summer Scholars program, available for current undergraduate students and recent graduates, is an eight-week paid internship where participants conduct an independent research project under the mentorship of a Principal Investigator.