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The
Power
of
Science

We explore the very foundations of life for the benefit of all. Founded by Jonas Salk, polio vaccine developer, the Salk Institute is an independent, nonprofit organization that consistently ranks as a top 5 elite research institute and is home to some of the most highly cited scientists in the world.

Science can't wait. Life-changing discoveries depend on both public and private funding.

Research Areas

Healthy Aging
Biochemistry/
Biophysics
Cancer
Computational
Biology
Immunobiology
Metabolism
Neuroscience
Plant Science

Meet Our Faculty and Scientists

The Salk Institute is home to a highly collaborative cadre of scientists who delve into a broad range of research areas, from aging, cancer and immunology to diabetes, brain science and plant biology. They are supported by on-campus research centers and core facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology.

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Discovery Society—Salk’s premier community of visionary supporters fueling scientific breakthroughs.

Become a member today.

Support life-changing discoveries and enjoy special benefits as our way of saying thanks.

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Discovery Society—Salk’s premier community of visionary supporters fueling scientific breakthroughs.

Become a member today.

Support life-changing discoveries and enjoy special benefits as our way of saying thanks.

Learn More

2026: The Salk Institute's Year of Brain Health Research

Salk scientists have made landmark discoveries about how the brain develops, adapts, and functions. We declare 2026 the Year of Brain Health—a bold initiative to transform our understanding of brain health and lay the foundation for new strategies to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

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Read the Latest Issue of Inside Salk

Salk news highlight our leading-edge research and the people who make it possible. Publications include our award-winning print magazine Inside Salk, a monthly email newsletter, and our podcast, Beyond Lab Walls.

LEARN MORE

Read the Latest Issue of Inside Salk

Salk news highlight our leading-edge research and the people who make it possible. Publications include our award-winning print magazine Inside Salk, a monthly email newsletter, and our podcast, Beyond Lab Walls.

Learn More

Latest News

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January 22, 2026
Could a dietary supplement make the difference between life and death during illness?
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January 14, 2026
Should younger and older people receive different treatments for the same infection?
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December 17, 2025
How do brains stay stable, and when might a dose of flexibility be helpful?
READ MORE

Salk by the Numbers

6
Nobel Laureates in physiology or medicine
1,734
students reached by Salk's Education Outreach Program
40
countries represented by Salk faculty, staff, and trainees
8
highly cited scientists
*as of November 2025
12
members of the National Academy of Sciences
2,321
patents
(U.S. and foreign)
issued to Salk through 12/11/25