Cancer research has received one its largest philanthropic gifts. Ludwig Cancer Research, founded by the late Daniel Ludwig, announced a $540 million gift on Monday, which will be divided equally among six institutions nationwide, including Harvard Medical School and MIT.
Both local institutions host a Ludwig Center, and will be granted $90 million each to advance cancer research. Identical grants are also being awarded to the Ludwig Centers at John Hopkins, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Stanford University and the University of Chicago.
Harvard Medical School's Ludwig Center has received $60 million since its founding in 2006. This latest round of financing will be used to expand the Center, as well as attract leading biomedical and cancer researchers, extend research activities, foster innovation and spur the pace of discovery.
As Jeffrey Flier, dean of the faculty of medicine at Harvard University, described in a statement:
This gift provides a momentous opportunity for the entire Harvard Medical School community to glean new insights into the basic biology of cancer as well as to accelerate the translation of basic research to improve patient outcomes. We recognize that Daniel and Virginia Ludwig were powerful advocates for excellence in cancer research. We at Harvard Medical School are grateful to them for their generosity and their vision, and are committed to honoring their legacy by defining the best strategic use of these new funds to advance the fight against cancer.
Since establishing all six centers in 2006, Ludwig Cancer Research has donated a cumulative $900 million to its partner institutions. The Ludwig Institute currently supports roughly 600 scientists worldwide, and has made international contributions totaling $2.5 billion to advance cancer research.
Featured Image via Ludwig Cancer Research
