Press Release
16 July 2025
Stowers Institute appoints Kristin Bechard as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Seasoned financial executive joins leadership team to help advance long-term vision.
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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.
Untangling the riddles of biology for scientific 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.
Powerful technology. Intentional collaboration.
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.
Training the next generation of scientists
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.
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.
Stowers Institute at a Glance
$2B
Spent on research
500
Members
10
Acre campus
150
Ongoing research projects
The Latest News & Events
Press Release
14 July 2025
Regrowing hearing cells: New gene functions discovered in zebrafish offer clues for future hearing loss treatments
Stowers scientists identify specific genes involved in zebrafish sensory hair cell regrowth, providing new insights that could inform future research into hearing loss treatments
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In The News
11 July 2025
American Century Championship will benefit KC's Stowers Institute
From KSHB 41, the Stowers Institute in Kansas City is one of the primary beneficiaries of proceeds from the American Century Tournament. Go inside the labs to see the work their scientists are currently pursuing.
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News
10 July 2025
Stowers Investigator receives early career alumni award from UC-San Francisco
Stowers Assistant Investigator Kamena Kostova, Ph.D., earned the 2025 Alumni Early-Career Award from UCSF in recognition of her significant scientific achievements.
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Press Release
26 June 2025
Stowers Institute Investigator Named 2025 Freeman Hrabowski Scholar by HHMI
Kamena Kostova, Ph.D., is among a select group of scientists recognized nationwide for their promise to help shape the future of scientific discovery.
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News
25 June 2025
Postdoc Profile: Q&A with Leonardo Gomes De Lima, postdoctoral researcher in the Gerton Lab
"My advice would be to choose the path that makes you feel comfortable and curious."
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News
20 June 2025
Road to Research: Q&A with Vignesh Babu, Scientist in Custom Protein Resources
"Working at the Stowers Institute has provided me with a wealth of new knowledge about the diverse array of research organisms and the fascinating proteins they possess."
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News
17 June 2025
2025 Faculty EDGE Workshop gives postdocs confidence for the job market
The Faculty EDGE series is one of many opportunities for postdoctoral researchers at the Stowers Institute to help prepare them for the next steps in their careers.
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News
16 June 2025
Stowers Postdoc named a Whitman Early Career Fellow
The Marine Biological Laboratory awards 24 scientists with Whitman Center Fellowships
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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.
Explore our Satellite Lab
Our Lab at the MBL
The Stowers Institute’s dedicated lab space at the Marine Biological Laboratory allows Stowers scientists of all levels, from predoctoral researchers to Investigators, the ability to travel to Woods Hole, Mass. and tackle new research projects using undomesticated ocean organisms brought from beach to bench.