Jeffrey Lurie Donates $50 Million for Autism Research Initiative

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Jeffrey Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, announced on June 10 that he is donating $50 million to establish the Lurie Autism Institute (LAI), a collaborative initiative with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn Medicine. This donation marks the largest single contribution to U.S. academic medical centers dedicated to autism research across all stages of life.

The newly formed Lurie Autism Institute aims to unify efforts between CHOP, focusing on children, and Penn Medicine, which addresses issues in adults with autism. LAI plans to provide a comprehensive understanding of autism’s impact throughout an individual’s life.

Dr. Dan Rader, interim director of LAI, stated that their research will help scientists “better understand the condition” of autism and its various complexities. The initiative also seeks to encourage medical professionals who currently do not specialize in autism to engage in this vital research.

In an interview with USA TODAY, Lurie emphasized the timing of the donation, saying, “It’s opening up an entirely new world of possibilities for autism research,” and he added that the LAI will explore how new technologies like artificial intelligence can aid in the development of treatments.

As part of its mission, LAI will initiate a program called the “Next-Generation Program in Autism Bioscience” aimed at PhD trainees and postdoctoral researchers. This program is intended to attract new talent to the field.

Lurie also expressed the hope that LAI will become a catalyst for international funding and continued global research into autism. The institute plans to hold an annual symposium and offer a prize for outstanding autism research as part of its outreach efforts.

Lurie’s personal connection to autism advocacy stems from his brother, who is autistic. His family has a longstanding commitment to supporting autism research through initiatives like the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation, which his mother founded in 1977. In 2009, this foundation launched the Lurie Center for Autism at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The Eagles, under Lurie’s ownership, have also taken steps to promote autism awareness, such as creating the NFL’s first in-stadium sensory room designed for fans who need a quieter space. “I’ve always grown up in an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity,” Lurie said, sharing his vision for a more inclusive environment for neurodiverse individuals.

As national discussions regarding autism research intensify, Lurie clarified that the launch of LAI is not a direct response to recent governmental initiatives focusing on autism. “I’ve been looking for where to do this for about three years,” he explained. “This is about trying to impact the lives of those with autism with these new technologies.”

Dr. Rader acknowledged the relevancy of the timing, stating that there is a pressing need for clarity and unified understanding of autism’s causes and treatments. “It’s more important than ever to bring this information together in a way that allows us to really better understand this complex condition,” he said.