Masonic Medical Research Institute

The Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) was founded in 1958 by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. It is an entity of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York with its 15 Directors being appointed serially by the Grand Master and elected by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York at its annual convocation. Originally established by the Grand Lodge of New York, the forerunner of the MMRI was known as The Masonic Foundation for Health and Human Welfare and it played a major role in the defeat of rheumatic fever. The MMRI’s current focus encompasses multiple areas of cardiovascular research, including congenital heart disease, hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, inflammation, stem cells, genetics, electrophysiology, diabetes and obesity, and metabolism. Our research programs have also diversified outside of the cardiovascular realm, and include autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Ultimately, we aim to generate novel approaches to understanding and deciphering causes of disease, and utilize this knowledge to enhance the quality of life for all afflicted.