On June 10, 2025, Jeffrey Lurie announced the creation of the Lurie Autism Institute, emphasizing the urgent need for accelerated research and solutions for autism.

The institute will be established in collaboration with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, aiming to drive significant scientific discoveries in autism.

Dr. Dan Rader, a prominent figure in genetics and medicine, will lead the clinical efforts at the institute, highlighting the importance of unifying research to better understand autism.

The Lurie Autism Institute aims to integrate research efforts from CHOP, which focuses on children, and Penn, which concentrates on adults, to provide a comprehensive understanding of autism's effects throughout life.

This partnership is expected to create a synergistic effect that will benefit many children with autism, including local families who have seen significant progress.

Lurie's $50 million donation complements other substantial contributions to Penn and CHOP, reinforcing his commitment to philanthropy and community support.

Recent statistics reveal that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects over 75 million people globally, including one in 31 children and one in 45 adults in the U.S.

Madeline Bell, CEO of CHOP, expressed gratitude for the Lurie family's support, emphasizing the institute's potential to enhance existing programs and facilitate breakthroughs in autism research and care.

The institute will also launch a Next-Generation Program in Autism Bioscience, aimed at encouraging PhD trainees and postdoctoral researchers to engage in autism research.

An international search will begin to appoint the founding director of the Lurie Autism Institute, who will lead its innovative mission.

The clinical efforts at CHOP and Penn are expected to expand alongside the research initiatives of the Lurie Autism Institute.

Lurie noted that the planning for this initiative had been underway for about three years, indicating a proactive approach to autism research.