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The Salk Institute was established in the 1960s by Jonas Salk, M.D., the developer of the polio vaccine. His goal was to establish an institute that would explore questions about the basic principles of life. He wanted to make it possible for biologists and others to work together in a collaborative environment that would encourage them to consider the wider implications of their discoveries for the future of humanity.
Jonas Salk had a distinct vision for the Salk Institute as he worked with scientists and architects to create a new paradigm for research and collaboration. Pictured at left in the early 1960s, Salk worked closely on many of the construction details of the Institute.
In December 1959, Salk and architect Louis Kahn began a unique partnership to design such a facility. Salk summarized his aesthetic objectives by telling the architect to "create a facility worthy of a visit by Picasso." Kahn, who was a devoted artist before he became an architect, was able to respond to this challenge.
In March 1960, Salk and Kahn went to the San Diego City Council to request a gift of land on the Torrey Pines Mesa overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They had a pledge of support from the March of Dimes and a vision of what might be possible if this land were provided. Approval was given and later affirmed by the citizens of San Diego in a special referendum in June 1960.
Groundbreaking took place in 1962, and soon thereafter the Salk Institute for Biological Studies became a reality. A few key researchers were invited to work in temporary buildings which were used while construction was under way. When the first laboratory was opened in 1963, there were five senior scientists and their research teams. This distinguished group of fellows formed members of Salk's first faculty group and in addition to Jonas Salk included Jacob Bronowski, Melvin Cohn, Renato Dulbecco, Edwin Lennox, and Leslie Orgel. The first Nonresident Fellows selected were Leo Szilard, Francis Crick, Salvador Luria, Jaques Monod, and Warren Weaver.
During the next few years, as the Salk expanded, resident fellows (now generally regarded as professors) and nonresident fellows (appointed scientists from other institutions) together advised Dr. Salk about future scientific directions. The organization of the Institute has evolved with time to its present structure, consisting of a board of trustees, a president and CEO, an academic council, and a chairman of the faculty.
The Salk Institute's major areas of study have focused on molecular biology and genetics, the neurosciences, and plant biology. Today, the Salk Institute conducts its biomedical research in 60 laboratories. At present, the faculty numbers 61, with a scientific staff of more than 850. This latter group consists of visiting scientists, some 285 postdoctoral trainees, approximately 130 graduate and rotation students, and more than 90 undergraduate students. Although not a degree-granting institution, the Salk has trained more than 2,000 scientists. Many have gone on to positions of leadership in other prominent research centers worldwide. Five of the scientists trained here have won the Nobel Prize. Four of the Institute's current resident faculty members and three nonresident fellows are Nobel Laureates.
The Institute has been supported over the years by funds awarded to its members in the form of research grants, most from the National Institutes of Health, and from private foundations and individuals. Especially important has been the continued support of the March of Dimes which, in addition to funds for the original structure, has contributed significantly every year to the Institute's financial needs.