Funding High-Risk,
High-Potential Scientific Research
About Michelson Medical Research
Medical research has always required brilliant scientists and engineers who see beyond what is to what can be. These daring pathfinders have always needed partnerships with those who believe in their potential. MMRF was created in 1995 to support researchers as they translate ideas into therapies that make an impact as quickly as possible. For more than a quarter century, MMRF has given vital boosts to people and programs through programmatic support, research prizes, and strategic investments. MMRF funding has contributed to the fight against infectious and degenerative diseases, advanced new surgical technologies, promoted the ethical treatment of animals in medicine, and much more.
With over $200 million designated to forward-thinking medical research—from developing innovative spine injury/disorder treatments to new vaccine development aimed at eradicating infectious diseases—MMRF allows researchers and practitioners freedom in breaking new ground or improving existing treatments, rapidly moving medical advancements from the laboratory into society. The Michelsons are vigilant not only about funding research but also in ensuring that quality research is being conducted that will truly allow for innovations in the field.
Michelson Prizes are awarded to research that is highly innovative and impactful, with the potential to be applied across many diseases. While awards are focused on immunology, vaccines and immunotherapy discovery, applicants from the full spectrum of related disciplines, including clinical research, biochemistry, molecular biology, protein engineering, computer and data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, biophysics, nanotechnology, etc., are encouraged to apply.
Michelson Prizes & Grants in Human Immunology
USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience
The USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience is a leading research facility that brings together experts from various fields to tackle critical health issues. Located in the largest academic building on the USC campus, the Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
The mission of the California Institute for Immunology & Immunotherapy (CIII) at UCLA is to harness the power of the human immune system and advanced computing technologies to create and translate scientific discoveries into next generation vaccines and therapies for prevention, control and cure of chronic diseases, enabling longer and healthier lives.
Michelson Medical Research Board & Staff
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Gary K. Michelson
Founder and Co-Chair, Michelson Philanthropies
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Alya Michelson
Co-Chair, Michelson Philanthropies
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Michele Morris
Program Manager, Michelson Medical Research Foundation
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![Thomas Conlon, Chief Scientific Officer]()
Thomas Conlon
Chief Scientific Officer, Michelson Philanthropies
Institutional Partners
About Michelson Philanthropies
As a network of private operating foundations, Michelson Philanthropies creates transformative opportunities, makes impact investments, and fosters strategic partnerships that support vulnerable or underserved communities. Reflecting the passions and interests of Dr. Gary K. Michelson and his wife, Alya Michelson, Michelson Philanthropies catalyzes sustainable, scalable, replicable solutions to a host of challenges facing society.
The Michelson Philanthropies family of foundations includes Michelson Medical Research Foundation, Michelson Found Animals Foundation, Michelson 20MM Foundation, and Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property.
