The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI)

The Scripps Research Institute, one of the country's largest, private, non-profit research organizations, has always stood at the forefront of basic biomedical science, a vital segment of medical research that seeks to comprehend the most fundamental processes of life. In just three decades the Institute has established a lengthy track record of major contributions to the betterment of health and the human condition. The Institute has become internationally recognized for its basic research into immunology, molecular and cellular biology, chemistry, neurosciences, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, virology and synthetic vaccine development. Particularly significant is the Institute's study of the basic structure and design of biological molecules; in this arena TSRI is among a handful of the world's leading centers. The philosophy of The Scripps Research Institute emphasizes the creation of basic knowledge in the biosciences for the application of medical and material discoveries; the pursuit of fundamental scientific advances through interdisciplinary programs and collaborations, and the education and training of researchers preparing to meet the scientific challenges of the next century. The bulk of the Institute's funding is derived from the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies. In today's environment of increasing competition for shrinking federal dollars, however, collaborative industrial partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies provide additional funding in several areas key to the organization's research objectives. Currently housed in fourteen laboratory buildings with more than 1,000,000 square feet of space overlooking the Pacific, the Institute's staff includes more than 270 professors, 800 postdoctoral fellows, 1500 laboratory technicians, administrative and support personnel, and 126 Ph.D. students. The design of each facility, with a central galleria area ringed by laboratories and offices around its perimeter, is a tangible reflection of the value placed on multidisciplinary collaboration in traditional and emerging areas of science. The Institute enjoys one of the world's leading private computational capabilities with an array of computers, including a Cray supercomputer. Research is further supported by X-ray crystallography laboratories, high performance NMR spectrometry including a state-of-the-art 900 MHz instrument, electron microscopy, optical spectroscopy, a centralized DNA sequencing laboratory and a fluorescence activated cell sorting facility. Rather than isolating faculty members and laboratories into separate and distinct disciplines, as is generally the prescribed university model, the cooperative, collaborative spirit is encouraged and embraced. While the level of scientific investigation is intense, the atmosphere is collegial, relaxed and informal. Technicians, postdoctoral fellows and administrative support staff all are considered part of the team and are given the latitude and responsibility to accomplish their tasks so as to serve the best interests of science. The pursuit of scientific excellence is paramount and all efforts are directed toward that end. TSRI's adherence to the highest scientific standards, emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving, philosophy toward the perpetuation of knowledge through education and reputation for research excellence provide an unparalleled scientific environment.