The Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) in Berkeley, California, has announced an unrestricted gift of $70 million from James and Marilyn Simons and Henry and Marsha Laufer in support of community-driven programs and initiatives.

The gift, which includes $35 million from each couple, is the largest unrestricted endowed gift to a U.S.-based mathematics institute. The support will be coupled with an additional $22 million from other donors to provide endowed funding in support of the institute’s research and programs. In recognition of their gift, MSRI will be renamed the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute.

Simons, a mathematician, philanthropist, and investor, established the Simons Foundation with his wife, and the couple were among the first donors to MSRI when it was established in 1982; they have made numerous large gifts since then. Laufer is a former vice president of research at Renaissance Technologies, the investment management firm Simons established in 1982. Marsha Laufer is a philanthropist, political activist, and speech-language pathologist.

“We have significantly evolved and grown as an institute since our founding in 1982, and so much more will be able to happen with these resources, for and with the math community,” said MSRI director David Eisenbud. “This unrestricted gift and the many others that are part of our endowment campaign will provide new programs, better support for researchers, and long-term stability in funding. We are deeply grateful to the Simons and the Laufers for this generous endowment gift.”

“For years, we have been impressed with MSRI’s dedication to elevating, amplifying, and celebrating the mathematical sciences across the lifespan—from producing educational materials for PreK-12 educators, to fostering appreciation and enjoyment of mathematics through public outreach initiatives, all the way through to undergraduate and graduate student programs, post-doctoral fellowships, and beyond into professional applications and mentoring,” said the Laufers. “We are pleased that our gift to MSRI will allow the institute to continue in its mission and continue furthering research that will allow for the innovations of tomorrow.”

(Photo credit: Jason Maze)