Leinweber Foundation Announces Largest Gift Ever for Theoretical Physics Research

Gifts to Five Leading Institutions Will Drive Discovery, Innovation, Collaboration, and the Next Generation of Scientific Leaders

DETROIT, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Leinweber Foundation announces today gifts totaling $90 million to establish Leinweber Institutes for Theoretical Physics at four of the nation's top research universities: the University of Michigan, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Chicago, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as a Leinweber Forum for Theoretical and Quantum Physics at the Institute for Advanced Study.

This investment—the largest ever for theoretical physics research—aims to strengthen existing programs at each institution as well as create a new model for cross-institutional collaboration. Recipient institutions will work both independently and collaboratively to explore foundational questions in theoretical physics. Each institute will continue to shape its own research focus and programs, while also committing to big picture cross-institutional convenings around topics of shared interest. Moreover, each institute will have significantly more funding for graduate students and postdocs, including fellowship support for three to eight fully endowed Leinweber Physics Fellows at each institute.

"This gift is a commitment to America's scientific future," said Larry Leinweber, Founder and President of the Leinweber Foundation. "Theoretical physics may seem abstract to many, but it is the tip of the spear for innovation. It fuels our understanding of how the world works and opens the door to new technologies that can shape society for generations. As someone who has had a lifelong fascination with theoretical physics, I hope this investment not only strengthens U.S. leadership in basic science, but also inspires curiosity, creativity, and groundbreaking discoveries for generations to come."

"We are excited to be a partner in the Leinweber Institutes for Theoretical Physics," said Fred Adams, Director of the University of Michigan's Leinweber Institute. "Our theoretical physics department has had the privilege of working with the Leinweber Foundation since 2017, and this new national expansion highlights the fact that we can make a greater impact on society when we work together. Collaborating with other leading institutions will ensure that we continue to promote and advocate for theoretical physics research for generations to come, as well as educate future generations of physicists."

"At a time when many researchers are facing increasing constraints on public funding, this gift is a beacon," said Steven Kahn, Dean of Mathematics and Physical Sciences in UC Berkeley's College of Letters and Science and a Professor of Physics and of Astronomy. "It represents a bold and meaningful commitment to foundational science. This kind of support gives students and scientists the freedom to ask big questions and pursue discoveries that may take years to unfold, but that ultimately expand the frontier of knowledge."

"The gift is a powerful morale boost for early-career scientists, affirming that their work is appreciated, their passion admired, and their creativity actively nurtured," said Dam Thanh Son, Professor of Physics and inaugural Director of the UChicago Institute. "By supporting students, postdocs, and new faculty, this gift will ensure that the most promising minds in theoretical physics have the opportunity and resources to pursue ambitious, long-term research directions."

"This landmark endowment from the Leinweber Foundation will enable the MIT Center for Theoretical Physics – A Leinweber Institute to support the best graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to develop their own independent research programs and to connect with other researchers in the Leinweber Institute network," said MIT Physics Professor Washington Taylor, Director of the newly-funded center. "By pledging to support this network and fundamental curiosity-driven science, Larry Leinweber and his family foundation have made a huge contribution to maintaining a thriving scientific enterprise in the United States in perpetuity."

"Knowledge of the cosmos does not come easily, and progress in theoretical physics requires deep and collaborative inquiry," said David Nirenberg, Director and Leon Levy Professor of the Institute for Advanced Study. "The Leinweber Foundation's support for the future of this work is a precious gift to the generations of humanity to come: the gift of greater understanding of the universe."

The Leinweber Foundation was founded in 2015 by software entrepreneur Larry Leinweber, and has worked with the Science Philanthropy Alliance since 2021 to shape its philanthropic strategy. "It's been a pleasure working with Larry and the Leinweber family over the past four years and seeing their vision take shape," said France Córdova, President of the Science Philanthropy Alliance. "Larry exemplifies curiosity, intellectual openness, and a deep commitment to learning. This gift reflects those values, ensuring that generations of scientists will have the freedom to explore, to question, and to pursue ideas that could change how we understand the universe and our place in it."

ABOUT THE LEINWEBER FOUNDATION
The Leinweber Foundation is a Michigan-based family foundation dedicated to advancing broader society by investing in three key mission areas: Research, Education, and Community. The Leinweber Foundation strives to support innovative and impactful research, expand access to education for students from underserved and rural areas, and support the health and vitality of the community and beyond. Learn more at https://www.leinweberfoundation.org/.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE PHILANTHROPY ALLIANCE
The Science Philanthropy Alliance is the world's first and longest-standing advising firm focused on helping philanthropists support basic science. Since 2014, the Alliance has influenced over $4 billion in giving, working with nearly 40 partners to advance scientific discovery through visionary philanthropy. Learn more at https://sciencephilanthropyalliance.org/.

SOURCE Science Philanthropy Alliance, Inc; Leinweber Foundation