Solving the mysteries of bioscience
We are an independent nonprofit bioscience research institute aimed at unlocking the mysteries of human biology through foundational science.
Foundational Science Fuels Breakthroughs
We are leaders in large-scale research that transforms our understanding of human health and disease and shapes how science is conducted worldwide.
Inspiring Next-Generation Scientists
To us, open science extends to inspiring the next generation of scientists by supporting access to science resources, research, and experiences.
The Allen Institute was founded in 2003 by Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul G. Allen, who sought to push the limits of human exploration in science.
Initially founded to map gene activity in the mouse brain, the Institute’s work quickly expanded to catalogue the constellation of cells and their connections in the mouse and human brain, along with deep research into the human immune system; inner workings of our cells; and identifying transformative, paradigm-shifting science around the world.
Today, our multidisciplinary approach at tackling large-scale, foundational research serves as the bedrock for scientific discovery and continues to advance the frontiers of bioscience.
Our Founders
Investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen spent his career tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Allen, who co-founded Microsoft in 1975, mapped new frontiers and fueled exploration across a broad range of areas as the chairman of Vulcan, the Seattle-based company that he co-founded with his sister, Jody Allen, to oversee his business and philanthropic portfolio. With lifetime giving totaling over $2.65 billion, Allen is included among the world’s leading philanthropists who, through the Giving Pledge, dedicated the majority of their fortunes to charity.
Allen, who died in 2018, was a visionary who sparked important developments and innovations in science, technology, education, conservation, and the arts. His desire to accelerate understanding of the human brain in health and disease led him to start the Allen Institute for Brain Science in 2003, which ultimately expanded to include the Allen Institute for Cell Science, The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, the Allen Institute for Immunology, and the Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics. Today, Paul Allen’s sister, Jody Allen, honors his legacy as Board Chair of the Allen Institute, helping direct our mission to transform human health through science for generations to come.
A tribute to our founder, Paul G. Allen
History and Accomplishments
Since 2003, we’ve been focused on accelerating foundational research and cultivating new ideas to make a transformational impact on science. Our greatest discoveries and accomplishments so far include:
The Allen Institute Today
The Allen Institute’s scientific mission has grown beyond the Allen Institute for Brain Science to include the Allen Institute for Cell Science, The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, the Allen Institute for Immunology, and the Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics — all working to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health.
From a small but mighty team of four in 2003, the Allen Institute is now more than 700 strong, has been cited thousands of times in scientific papers, and shares dozens of petabytes of open data with the world.
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