Zuckerberg and Chan Shift Philanthropy Focus to AI and Biology

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan are shifting the majority of their philanthropic efforts towards science, specifically focusing on artificial intelligence and biology to combat disease. For over a decade, they have aimed to cure, prevent or manage all diseases, while also funding various social initiatives.

Now, the couple is concentrating their resources on Biohub, their science organization dedicated to using AI to speed up scientific discovery. They plan to develop virtual, AI-based cell models to better understand human biology, inflammation, and the immune system for disease detection, prevention, and treatment.

Zuckerberg stated that the science work, particularly the Biohub model, has been their most impactful initiative. The couple has pledged 99% of their lifetime wealth towards these efforts, having already donated four billion dollars since Biohub's inception in 2016.

They anticipate doubling this amount over the next decade, with a yearly operating budget of around one billion dollars. Recently, they faced criticism for reducing support for programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as immigration advocacy.

Despite this, they argue that focusing on science and technology is where they can make a significant impact. Chan expressed a desire to understand how genetic mutations affect cells and how AI can help create new treatments.

Biohub has also recently acquired the team at EvolutionaryScale, which specializes in AI systems for life sciences. Their goal is to create virtual cell systems, allowing scientists to conduct experiments on a scale that physical laboratories cannot.

Chan highlighted the importance of these advancements, noting that previous successes in curing diseases in animal models must lead to breakthroughs in human medicine. The couple's commitment to using AI in biomedical research signifies a strategic direction that intertwines technology with healthcare innovation, aiming to push the boundaries of medicine for real-world applications.