#Stowers25: Celebrating 25 Years
07 November 2025
Fourteen key discoveries over 25 years
Highlighting 14 high-impact discoveries from the Stowers Institute's inception
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What makes life work?
By uncovering the secrets underlying fundamental biological processes, we can find innovative approaches to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease.
Foundational science. Profound implications.
Discovery
Foundational research is where cures begin. Discoveries resulting from studying the fundamental processes of life frequently prove to be major milestones toward novel therapies and treatments.
Innovation
World-class equipment and collaborative partnerships. Our researchers work side-by-side with experts in our Technology Centers. The unique model has catapulted the Institute to the forefront of innovative science.
Hope
We are dedicated to encouraging motivated individuals to pursue science or science-related professions — from our accredited Graduate School to our training programs for post-docs, post-bacs and undergrads.
Registration is open for the 25th Anniversary Symposium
This special daylong event will feature thought-provoking talks, fireside chats, and conversations with leading voices in biological sciences and beyond. Following the symposium, we will gather for a festive reception and a toast to the discoveries yet to come. View the full program and register below.
Learn more & Register25 Years of Discovery
The Stowers Institute is dedicated to the next 25 years of biological discovery. In the words of our founders, “The best is yet to be.” Learn how we are honoring the milestone and celebrating the future of biological discovery. Explore a timeline of the Institute's history, hear from founding members, and reflect on the vision of Jim and Virginia Stowers.
25 Years of DiscoveryStowers Institute at a Glance
$2B
Spent on research
500
Members
10
Acre campus
150
Ongoing research projects
Our unique funding model allows the freedom to explore the unexpected.
Transformational science requires the transformation of science. Through the unparalleled generosity and vision of our founders, Jim and Virginia Stowers, we have a scientific ecosystem that encourages discovery and innovation. Jim, founder of American Century Investments, and Virginia followed their initial generous investment by establishing a funding model that provides ongoing support of our research through the annual dividends from American Century Investments. Because of this structure, Stowers scientists are uniquely positioned to explore with freedom, and allowed the ability to follow biological avenues that lead to novel discoveries and to share their findings for the betterment of humanity.
The Latest News & Events
#Stowers25: Celebrating 25 Years
28 October 2025
Making the impossible possible: 25 years of innovation and technology
Jim and Virginia Stowers envisioned a world-class research institute in Kansas City with a mission to unravel the secrets of life. Making their mission a reality required a deliberate commitment to hire the brightest scientists and invest heavily in technology to support innovation.
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In The News
28 October 2025
Century-Old Mystery of Robertsonian Chromosomes Solved
From the Gerton Lab,Scientists pinpointed the DNA sequence where human chromosomes fuse, solving a century-old mystery in genome biology.
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Press Release
22 October 2025
Stowers Institute appoints first AI Fellow to help advance biological research with artificial intelligence
As part of the Institute’s newly launched AI Initiative, Sumner Magruder, Ph.D., will embed cutting-edge computational tools into foundational biology
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In The News
20 October 2025
Cells Have a Crystal Trigger That Makes Them Self-Destruct When Viruses Invade
From Scientific American, the Halfmann Lab shows a special class of immune proteins protect us from pathogens but also drive inflammation and cell death.
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In The News
16 October 2025
AI unlocks the hidden grammar of gene regulation
From ASBMB, the Zeitlinger Lab studies how protein transcription factors, or TFs, bind to DNA to regulate gene expression, using fruit flies as her model.
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In The News
16 October 2025
Flatworm Stem Cells Regenerate Through Contactless Communication
From The Scientist, research from the Sánchez Alvarado Lab shows stem cells in regenerating planarians don’t need their closest neighbors, overturning researchers’ understanding of the worms’ regenerative superpowers.
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Press Release
15 October 2025
New research shows a tiny, regenerative worm could change our understanding of healing
Stowers scientists discover new rules about how flatworm stem cells regrow body parts, offering insights into potential tissue repair and regenerative medicine in humans.
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In The News
10 October 2025
Researchers may have discovered why cells sometimes kill themselves unnecessarily
From NPR's All Things Considered, in the human body, cells are constantly making life-or-death decisions. If they make the wrong choice, the result can be cancer, infection or even Alzheimer's.
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The Stowers Institute's 25th Anniversary Symposium
The day-long event will feature two sessions, "Discoveries of the Past", and "The Future of Biology". Hear talks from renowned scientists and a special presentation by Carl Zimmer with The New York Times. Following the event, we will gather in the Institute Gallery for a festive reception to toast to the discoveries yet to come.
Our Organisms
Answers to fundamental questions of biology can be found by turning to nature. From mice, fruit flies, yeast, and bacteria, to plants, planarians, sea anemones, coral, killifish, apple snails, and more, a broad range of research organisms reside at the Institute.
Cared for by dedicated teams of technicians, each was carefully chosen based on their ability to solve specific biological questions — aiding in advancing our understanding of how life works.
Learn more about our organisms and their extraordinary biological feats.
Defining New Frontiers
Kansas City: born from a spirit of discovery
Incredible science comes from curious and creative minds. Our bold and innovative approach to research is the perfect match for the dynamic culture and profound pride you’ll find in Kansas City. Similar to the Stowers Institute, Kansas City is pushing boundaries. An incredible food and music scene, world-class art institutions, and championship sports teams are just a few of the great attributes that set KC apart. See why we’ve chosen the heart of the country as our home.