Salk Institute for Biological Studies Revenue and Competitors

Jonas Salk, the developer of the polio vaccine, established the Salk Institute for Biological Studies more than 40 years ago. His goal was to create an institute that would serve as a "crucible for creativity" to pursue questions about the basic principles of life. He wanted biologists and others to work together to explore the wider implications of their discoveries for the future of humanity. In 1959, Salk and architect Louis Kahn began a unique partnership to design a truly distinguished research facility. Seed money was provided by the March of Dimes, which has continuously and generously supported the Salk Institute over its history. The San Diego City Council gifted the Institute with the land on which to build the facility, and this decision was approved and affirmed overwhelmingly by the people of San Diego in a special referendum. Today, the Salk Institute conducts its biological research under the guidance of 58 faculty investigators, employing a scientific staff of more than 850, including visiting scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. This group, recruited throughout the world, receives advice from nine distinguished nonresident fellows—influential scientists at similar institutions throughout the world.