A new era in autism research is taking shape in Philadelphia, thanks to a record-setting $50 million pledge from the Lurie family. The Lurie Autism Institute, a partnership between Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn Medicine, aims to accelerate discoveries that matter across the entire autism spectrum and lifespan.
This is not just another research center. The Lurie Autism Institute is designed to break new ground by uniting over 47 research teams already working at CHOP and Penn. Their goal? To tackle everything from the genetic underpinnings of autism to the real-world experiences of autistic adults, a group often left out of major studies.
Jeffrey Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, explained the personal side of this effort. “For 70 years my family has been challenged by presence of autism. Our brother has been an inspiration and kind soul to all of us,” he said at the announcement. The Lurie family’s commitment is rooted in decades of advocacy, including their support for the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation and the Lurie Center for Autism at Massachusetts General Hospital.
What sets this new institute apart? Here is what is on the horizon:
- Deep dives into genetics and environment: Researchers plan to explore how genes and environmental factors interact, with a special focus on epigenetics.
- Support for all ages: The institute will study autism across the lifespan, including adults and people with higher support needs.
- Faster translation to care: The hope is to move discoveries from the lab to clinics more quickly, so families see real benefits sooner.
Madeline Bell, CEO of CHOP, put it simply: “The Lurie Autism Institute will enable us to find quicker and better answers for children and adults living with this complex condition.”
For families like the McCartys, who participated in CHOP’s research after their son’s diagnosis, these advances are personal. “We have become much more emotionally intelligent… from praising, recognizing and celebrating small wins, to an emphasis on every actionable gesture and emotion,” said Snai’s mother, Mony.
With an international search for a founding director underway, the Lurie Autism Institute is poised to become a global leader in autism research. As Penn Medicine’s Kevin Mahoney said, “I can’t say when the breakthrough will happen… but it’s going to happen.”
Citations
- Disability Scoop. (2025, June 12). $50 million pledged to establish autism institute. https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/06/12/50-million-pledged-to-establish-autism-institute/31492/
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (2025, June 12). CHOP and Penn Medicine announce Lurie Autism Institute. https://www.chop.edu/news/chop-and-penn-medicine-announce-lurie-autism-institute
- 6ABC Philadelphia. (2025, June 12). Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie donates $50M to autism research. https://6abc.com/jeffrey-lurie-autism-institute-chop-penn-medicine/14789023/
- The Philadelphia Inquirer. (2025, June 12). Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie’s $50 million gift will create autism research institute at CHOP, Penn. https://www.inquirer.com/health/autism-institute-lurie-chop-penn-20250612.html
- Penn Medicine News. (2025, June 12). Lurie Autism Institute launches with $50 million gift. https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2025/june/lurie-autism-institute-launches
- CBS News Philadelphia. (2025, June 12). Jeffrey Lurie donates $50 million to create autism research institute. https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/jeffrey-lurie-autism-institute-chop-penn/
- CHOP Research Blog. (2025, June 12). The Lurie Autism Institute: A new chapter in autism research. https://blog.research.chop.edu/lurie-autism-institute
- Philanthropy News Digest. (2025, June 13). Lurie family gives $50 million to establish autism institute. https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/lurie-family-gives-50-million-to-establish-autism-institute
- Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation. (n.d.). About our work. https://nlmfoundation.org/about/
- Massachusetts General Hospital. (n.d.). Lurie Center for Autism. https://www.massgeneral.org/children/autism/lurie-center
