Jeffrey Lurie invests $50 million to combat autism research
- Jeffrey Lurie has pledged $50 million to establish the Lurie Autism Institute, partnering with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine.
- The institute aims to advance autism research by studying genetics and behavioral development and utilizing AI for treatment analysis.
- This significant donation reflects Lurie's deep personal connection to autism and his family's long history of supporting individuals with ASD.
In June 2025, Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie announced a significant $50 million donation aimed at advancing autism research. This funding is directed toward the establishment of the Lurie Autism Institute in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn Medicine. The Lurie Autism Institute is designed to enhance understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and aims to offer transformative insights into treatment and interventions for individuals affected by autism. The contribution represents the largest single donation ever made to U.S. academic medical centers focused on autism research, highlighting Lurie's commitment to addressing this complex condition. The institute's mission includes studying genetic factors, behavioral developments across the lifespan, and utilizing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to analyze research data. Jeffrey Lurie emphasized the need for innovative scientific exploration to find effective solutions for autism and to enhance the lives of those living with the condition. This initiative draws upon Lurie's personal connection to autism, particularly through his brother, Peter Lurie, who has lived with autism since Jeffrey was a child. His endeavors in the autism space are further supported by the Lurie Autism Foundation, founded in 2018, and the pre-existing Lurie Center for Autism at Massachusetts General Hospital established in 2009. Lurie's longstanding philanthropic efforts have focused on improving the lives of those on the autism spectrum and promoting greater societal understanding. The Lurie Autism Institute is expected to entail an international search for a founding director, tasked with leading the institute's vital mission. This gift not only reinforces Lurie's dedication to autism research but also positions CHOP and Penn Medicine at the forefront of new scientific discoveries, aiming for breakthroughs that can enhance care and treatment options for individuals with ASD and their families.