San Diego philanthropist, businessman, and community leader John J. Moores has contributed the first gift donation of $2.1 million to The Scripps Research Institute's new $50 million initiative to recruit new world-class researchers and to sustain and expand the work of current scientists at the La Jolla, California- and Palm Beach County, Florida-based biomedical organization.

 

Moores, chairman and owner of the San Diego Padres baseball team, has served as a member of the Scripps Research Board of Trustees since 1997 and as chair of the Board since 2006.

 

"The Scripps Research Institute has been in the lead in establishing the scientific foundation that is essential to improve human health," Moores said. "It has the ability to accelerate discoveries that may lead to breakthroughs in HIV/AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and more. But it needs to recruit the next generation of researchers now. I hope my support will encourage the community and my fellow institute trustees to join me in developing and sustaining Scripps Research's most vital resource—its scientific talent."

 

"The Scripps Research Institute is incredibly fortunate to have John as a long-time supporter of our work and active leader in our governance," said Scripps Research President Richard A. Lerner. "As research dollars shrink and the economy remains unsettled, biomedical research and the institute will need the generosity of engaged philanthropists such as John to step forward."

 

Lerner noted that the State of Florida has invested more than $300 million in recruitment and start-up funds and Palm Beach County an additional $200 million for facilities for the institute's new campus in Jupiter, to officially open in February 2009.

 

Source: The Scripps Research Institute