Salk Institute establishes Presidential Chair to honor Qualcomm founder Dr. Irwin M. Jacobs

July 15, 2009

Salk Institute establishes Presidential Chair to honor Qualcomm founder Dr. Irwin M. Jacobs

July 15, 2009

SAN DIEGO, CA—The Salk Institute for Biological Sciences today announced the establishment of the Irwin M. Jacobs Presidential Chair based on an endowment from Qualcomm and Qualcomm’s employees. The Presidential Chair commemorates Qualcomm founder Dr. Irwin Jacobs’ recent decision to step down as chairman of Qualcomm’s Board of Directors and recognizes his ongoing dedicated leadership of the Salk Institute’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Jacobs continues to serve as a member of Qualcomm’s Board of Directors and in that capacity continues to provide his vision and guidance.

The Presidential Chair will be the largest chair endowed in the Salk’s history and will provide $4 million to the Salk Institute when fully funded. The inaugural chair-holder will be the Salk’s new president, William R. Brody. Dr. Brody recently stepped down as Johns Hopkins University president to lead the prestigious Salk Institute.

“Endowing a chair that will help ensure superb leadership at the Salk seemed a very fitting way to honor Irwin,” said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, Chairman and CEO of Qualcomm. “His legacy is linked to the attraction and development of the world’s finest executive talent, and his instincts are always to motivate, encourage and promote groundbreaking research.”

“Irwin Jacobs’ exemplary leadership of the Salk Board has been critical to enhancing the Institute’s international renown,” said Salk Executive Vice President Marsha Chandler. “This presidential chair is the perfect recognition of Irwin’s inspiring guidance and commitment to the Salk’s future.”

Dr. Irwin Jacobs and his Qualcomm co-founders redefined how the world thinks of telecommunications and information technology. More than 20 years after its start, Qualcomm is a leading innovator of advanced wireless technologies, products and services.

The Salk Institute, a life sciences research powerhouse founded by Dr. Jonas Salk nearly 50 years ago, was recently cited by Science Watch as the international leader in Neuroscience and Behavior discovery. (Science Watch measures the citation impact of research published worldwide.)

“We are pleased and proud to play a role in the ongoing excellence of the Salk Institute,” said Paul Jacobs. “Salk discoveries are transforming our understanding of human health, and this is an outstanding way to support one of Irwin’s major passions.”

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world’s preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty members probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused on both discovery and mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.
Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, M.D., the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.