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The Rockefeller University

New York, NY

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Scientia pro bono humani generis(Science for the benefit of humanity)

1901
Founded
Private graduate-only university
Type
16 acres
Campus
232
Graduate
$2.4B
Endowment
(2024)
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About The Rockefeller University

Pioneering biomedical research and graduate education, shaping the future of health.

Step into a world where scientific breakthroughs are not just anticipated, but made. The Rockefeller University, established in 1901 by John D. Rockefeller, stands as the oldest biomedical research institute in the United States, a true pioneer in elevating American science and medicine to global prominence. Much like the Pasteur Institute in France or the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, Rockefeller was conceived as a dedicated hub for advanced scientific inquiry, evolving from The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research into the distinguished graduate-only university it is today.

At its core, Rockefeller University is a private, graduate-only institution singularly focused on the biological and medical sciences. It offers unparalleled doctoral and postdoctoral education, attracting some of the brightest minds intent on pushing the boundaries of knowledge. The campus, nestled in Manhattan's Upper East Side, is not just a place of learning but a crucible of discovery, fostering an intense, collaborative environment where groundbreaking research unfolds daily.

The academic strength of Rockefeller is simply extraordinary. Its faculty includes a staggering number of members of the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine, multiple Lasker Award recipients, and an impressive list of Nobel laureates, with 26 individuals affiliated with the university having received this prestigious honor. From demonstrating that genes are made of DNA in the 1940s to establishing virology as an independent field, Rockefeller scientists have consistently redefined our understanding of life and health. Prospective students and researchers join a legacy of innovation, supported by a substantial endowment that fuels cutting-edge investigations and facilities, all dedicated to "Science for the benefit of humanity."

Key Highlights

  • Oldest biomedical research institute in the United States, founded in 1901.
  • A graduate-only university dedicated to doctoral and postdoctoral education in biological and medical sciences.
  • Home to 26 Nobel laureates affiliated with the university, demonstrating a profound impact on global science.
  • Distinguished faculty includes 37 members of the National Academy of Sciences and 17 members of the National Academy of Medicine.
  • Pioneered fundamental discoveries, including demonstrating that genes are made of DNA in the 1940s.
  • Operates with a significant endowment of $2.4 billion, supporting advanced research and facilities.
  • Located on a 16-acre urban campus in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City.

Timeline

1901
Founded as The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research by John D. Rockefeller.
1910
The Rockefeller Hospital, America's first facility for clinical research, opened on campus.
1913
The Rockefeller Foundation, a separate philanthropic entity, was founded with close ties.
1940
David Rockefeller joined the board of trustees; in the 1940s, a team demonstrated genes were made of DNA.
1954
The Rockefeller Institute broadened into a university, beginning to award PhD degrees.
1965
The Rockefeller Institute's name was officially changed to The Rockefeller University.
2016
Richard P. Lifton became the university's eleventh president.
🏛️
125 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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