Through transformational science and technology, we enable accelerated discovery and catalyze progress for people and the planet.
So states the newly launched Fund for Science and Technology (FFST) mission – a bold directive that honors the late Paul G. Allen’s mandate in establishing the new foundation. This mission is ambitious, to say the least. So, as FFST takes its first steps in grant funding, where to begin? The development of its new grant portfolio is guided by three priorities that advance bioscience, strengthen the environment and natural world, and harness the power of AI for good.
That means supporting big thinkers and mission-aligned organizations around the world. But where to begin? What better way to launch its first suite of grants than supporting Seattle-based non-profits that are recognized as leaders in these priority areas? “We aim to accelerate transformative science by empowering innovative, out-of-the-box thinkers” said Dr. Lynda Stuart, CEO of Fund for Science and Technology. “By funding critical talent and resources, we will participate in the shared power of purpose, working together to solve problems.”
FFST has announced its first round of grants, of which $15 million is set to support scientific centers of excellence in Seattle. FFST recognizes these grantee organizations as innovators that can implement new approaches, create collaborations, and train future scientists.
Benaroya Research Institute (BRI)
FFST’s grant will support BRI’s biorepository infrastructure – an essential engine behind groundbreaking discoveries in human immunology – and to support the bioinformaticians who analyze the vast datasets derived from this resource. FFST funding will sustain the biorepository of 15,000 individuals with and without immune-related conditions. Their work turns data into discovery, enabling scientists to move faster and with greater precision.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Funding to Fred Hutch will be applied to studies of the immune system in cancer and autoimmune disease as well as the development of new cell therapies for cancers. The projects will use leading-edge technologies to examine how immune cells communicate with one another and with the surrounding tissues to uncover how to treat diseases and prevent side effects from treatments. The work builds on Fred Hutch’s 50-year history of world-wide leadership in using the immune system to fight disease and improve human health.
Seattle Children’s
With support from FFST, Seattle Children’s is building on past successes in developing advanced pediatric cell and gene therapies to continue early clinical trials of promising treatments for cancer and autoimmune disorders. This work aims to ensure no patient is left without treatment because of challenges like the need for a donor match, high costs, or limited access. The FFST grant supports research that aspires to create off-the-shelf cellular immunotherapies that are safe, affordable, and available when children, teens and young adults need them most.
University of Washington College of the Environment
FFST’s grant will be applied to climate solutions, climate prediction and environmental monitoring through field observation and data modeling. The UW College of the Environment has particular strengths in the atmospheric and ocean sciences that will be applied to climate solutions, climate prediction and environmental monitoring through robust field observations of our planet and theoretical and AI-based modeling. This will lead to a better understanding and support of climate and ecosystem health, which in turn supports the health and wellbeing of people.
We aim to accelerate transformative science by empowering innovative, out-of-the-box thinkers. By funding critical talent and resources, we will participate in the shared power of purpose, working together to solve problems.
“We must take this moment to reimagine how we work – to collaborate across silos and institutions, maintain and grow the talent base, and build new expertise,” said Stuart. “By working together in the pursuit of excellence, amazing things can be achieved.”
Yes, there’s a longer play on the horizon, with at least $500 million in FFST grant funding planned within the next four years. And while this first suite of grants make sense purely for enabling continued break through science and technology, the funding gives a nod to FFST’s long-term strategies.
Throughout his life, Paul and his sister Jody Allen worked to leverage the power of science and technology to meet the urgent needs of people and the planet. Now, Fund for Science and Technology is reflective of Paul Allen’s wide-reaching vision and continues his significant contributions to society.