Jeffrey Lurie Donates $50M to Launch Autism Institute in Philadelphia
Lurie Autism Institute founded after Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie makes historic $50 million donation. The money will create the Lurie Autism Institute (LAI) — a groundbreaking initiative by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn Medicine.
The LAI is now the largest U.S. donation ever made to autism research across the lifespan.
A Lifelong Vision
Lurie’s gift is personal. His brother is autistic. His mother, Nancy Lurie Marks, has funded autism research for decades.
The Lurie family also launched the Eagles Autism Foundation in 2018 and helped build the NFL’s first in-stadium sensory room. Their commitment to neurodiverse inclusion spans decades and continues to expand.
Research That Spans a Lifetime
The new LAI will merge pediatric research at CHOP with adult-focused work at Penn.
According to LAI Interim Director Dr. Dan Rader, this will give scientists a “complete picture” of autism’s effects. Their goal is to develop lifespan-wide treatments using genetics, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence.
Next-Generation Autism Bioscience Program
To attract fresh talent, LAI will start a certificate program for PhD students and postdocs. This “Next-Generation Program in Autism Bioscience” aims to bring new voices into the autism research space.
Translating Research Into Treatment
AI will help process data and identify treatment options. Potential therapies may involve repurposing drugs or even gene editing.
“There’s no single gene, no single reason,” said Lurie. “It’s very research-based to get to the therapeutics.”
Global Collaboration Ahead
The LAI will also host an annual international symposium and create a global prize for autism research. Lurie hopes the institute becomes a catalyst for global cooperation and funding.
Timely but Unrelated to RFK Jr.’s Pledge
Lurie’s move comes at a time when autism research is in the national spotlight. Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promised a new autism initiative. But Lurie said LAI has been in planning for years and is not a reaction to current politics.
A Mission Rooted in Inclusion
From NFL stadiums to international research, Lurie’s vision stays clear: create spaces and science that embrace neurodiversity.
“It’s more important than ever to bring this information together,” said Dr. Rader. “This institute is the right step forward.”
Source: USA Today
