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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.

Our research focuses on understanding the components and processes of the brain, the functions of cells, and the intricacies of the human immune system.

The more we understand about how the body works and is interconnected at a basic, cellular level, the closer we come to treatments and cures for diseases like cancer, COVID-19, and Alzheimer’s.

Impact by the numbers: 

1.5k

Scientists access our resources every day

550k

Each year from more than 200 countries

5k+

Citations of the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas (and counting)

Through our team science approach we are breaking down scientific silos, leveraging the strength of interdisciplinary efforts and fostering deep, authentic collaborations. Together we are changing the world.

Kathy Richmond Headshot

Our work powers breakthroughs.

Every day our teams work to unlock the mysteries of human biology–how our minds and bodies operate in the world to give life meaning. Amazing new discoveries have been made at the Allen Institute, and when we openly share our data and resources, we allow the global scientific community to make faster progress and new insights into human health.

Three female researchers in white lab coatsOur Science  Programs 

The Allen Institute is comprised of five science programs that focus on the fundamental components of biology and bioscience: Brain Science, Cell Science, Immunology, Neural Dynamics and the Frontiers Group. Our foundational research leads to groundbreaking discoveries about our brain, our cells, and our immune system, and these discoveries form the building blocks for new medicines and disease prevention.

LEARN ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS 

 

A researcher working in the lab at the Allen Institute HQ.

A researcher working in the lab at the Allen Institute HQ.

Exploring the building blocks of life, health, and disease

We focus on foundational science, exploring how the human body functions and is connected at a fundamental level. We delve deep into the mechanics of our brain, probe the structures and functions of our cells, investigate how our bodies fight disease, and pursue ideas that are on the cutting edge of bioscience. We compare healthy cells and immune systems to those affected by diseases like Alzheimer’s, mapping the way forward to new treatments and therapies.

Alzheimer-Brain HPC with axons and plaques zoomed

Alzheimer’s disease

Unlocking the mysteries of this mind-robbing disease affecting more than 55 million people worldwide
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Covid Data

COVID-19

How does the immune system clear COVID-19, and what goes wrong in long COVID?
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Cancer tissue

Cancer

Understanding what goes wrong in the immune system — and how to set it right again
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Allen Institute for Immunology researcher processing samples

Autoimmune disease

What goes wrong when our immune systems attack our own bodies?
Read More
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This large-scale team effort really requires expertise from all different directions.

Our People

You’ll find neuroscientists, cell biologists, mathematicians, physicists, engineers, immunologists, geneticists, informatics experts and a team of administrative professionals working side-by-side to achieve our goals.