Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute announced a $5 million gift from Andrew Viterbi, co-founder of Qualcomm Inc., to endow the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Distinguished Chair in the Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, aiming to propel AI-powered biomedical research.
Andrew Viterbi's Gift and its Impact
Andrew Viterbi, a pioneering communications expert and co-founder of Qualcomm Inc., has donated $5 million to the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. This significant gift will establish the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Distinguished Chair in the Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The Center integrates expertise in AI, statistics, and genetics to analyze complex data, driving innovation and scientific breakthroughs for human health. Dr. Yuk-Lap (Kevin) Yip, director of the Center, will be the inaugural chair holder, recognized for his work in computational biology and bioinformatics. Viterbi's donation underscores his commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary science, empowering the institute to attract top scientific talent and accelerate discoveries in AI and human health.
About Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is an independent nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding fundamental human health and disease and translating discoveries into life-improving advances. It features four disease-focused centers (Cancer, Cardiovascular and Muscular Diseases, Neurologic Diseases, Metabolic and Liver Diseases) and two enabling technology centers (Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Therapeutics Discovery). The institute emphasizes a strong culture of collaboration, drug discovery capabilities, and global partnerships to advance biomedical science and improve human health, also training the next generation of scientists through its graduate school.
