Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology
Basic Building Blocks
Scott Emr made a name for himself studying yeast—a simple organism that serves as a model for cellular processes in more complex organisms.
Cornell recruited this Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator as the first Frank H.T. Rhodes Class of '56 Director of the Weill Institute. Emr is now working to make a name for the institute, building its faculty and its foundation for the future.
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Interview: Emr discusses the institute's vision and potential
Occupying research space on three floors is the newly created Joan and Sanford I. Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology—a new interdisciplinary research engine focused on the basic processes and structures of life.
The institute was founded to enhance Cornell's expertise in basic biology—the structures and mechanics of the cells and molecules that form the foundation of life. Researchers from the biological, physical, and chemical sciences converge on questions of growth and regulation at the cellular and molecular levels. Their work is the foundation of scientific knowledge upon which real-world advances become possible.
The result of this convergence is an agile research engine that fuels discovery across the university. Its discoveries will be the building blocks for understanding and treating cancer, HIV, and other complex diseases that require investigation at the molecular level.
Types of Support
Cornell welcomes gifts of all sizes. Select named opportunities are described below.
Director's Discretionary Fund: variable gift sizes
Endowing a discretionary fund in the Weill Institute would give director Scott Emr a secure set of resources for fortifying the institute. The endowment would be applied to needs as they arise—from graduate student funding to research start-up funds to conference travel.
The strength of this fund lies in its flexibility: it would allow the director to act in the strategic interest of Cornell and the Weill Institute.
Endowed faculty positions: $1–$4 million
The institute is aggressively recruiting up to 12 faculty members. They will have interdisciplinary ties to the institute, with their home departments spread across Cornell.
Endowed graduate fellowships: $1 million
Competitive graduate fellowships are critical to the institute's efforts to build a high-caliber faculty and a reputable research tradition.
Laboratory and office space in Weill Hall: variable gift sizes
The institute occupies three floors in the newly opened Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall. Numerous naming opportunities are available.
To discuss support for the institute, contact Laura Toy.
