The Salk Institute for Biological Studies Monday officially announced that it received a $25 million “critical” renewal grant that will allow for continued exploration into the role chronic inflammation plays in human diseases.
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust provided $42 million to Salk three years ago to begin the research. The new grant will allow work to continue for another three years.
The original grant from the New York-based charity was the largest in the history of the institute. It established the Helmsley Center for Genomic Medicine, which enables Salk scientists to delve into the genetic underpinnings of disease and paves the way to new therapies for chronic illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The scientists are looking into how chronic inflammation could lie at the root of many health problems.
“Helmsley is delighted to be able to provide the Salk Institute this critical renewal grant so that its scientists are able to continue the amazing research that stems from our initial grant in 2013,” says Stephanie Cuskley, CEO of the trust.
Funding from the new grant will start Jan. 1 and provide support for research teams that draw from areas of expertise that include cancer, stem cells and metabolism. The money will also help pay for Salk facilities.
“The Helmsley Charitable Trust has made extraordinary gifts to support Salk science over the past decade,” said Salk President Elizabeth Blackburn. “We are tremendously grateful to Helmsley for their commitment to improve health and for supporting pioneering research here at the institute.”
The Helmsleys were real estate and hotel moguls who left almost their entire estate to the trust, which in 2015 had assets valued at more than $5.5 billion.
—City News Service
