$64.7 million donation from Roy Eddleman establishes quantum science institute
Roy T. Eddleman, founder of Spectrum Labs, always had a knack for bringing creative people together and cultivating a fertile environment for interaction and innovation.
His company was just one example.
As a philanthropist, he brought together leaders from the University of California, Irvine, the California Institute of Technology and UC Santa Barbara to form an advisory board for what became known as the Eddleman Quantum Institute (EQI).
Eddleman’s vision was to revolutionize science and technology through collaborative and interdisciplinary quantum science by uniting top-tier research institutions.
The three universities received a combined $64,725,000 in support for research, education, conferences, and operations in quantum science—an ambitious initiative powered by Eddleman’s commitment to progress.
“Quantum science holds significant promise for humanity,” Eddleman said in 2021.
“To realize its fullest potential, we need to provide adequate support to the young scientists who want to pursue careers in this field.”
UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman added: “Through his generous donations to the University of California, Irvine, Roy Eddleman expressed his confidence in our researchers’ ability to positively impact the world with their work. The Eddleman Quantum Institute is an example of what can be achieved through a combination of generosity, ambition and the determination to conquer the unknown.”
Eddleman launched Spectrum Labs in 1970, a pioneering developer of bioprocess-filtration technologies. The company was acquired by Repligen in 2017. Over his career, he patented numerous products, including the “Fleaker”—a hybrid of the Griffin beaker and the Erlenmeyer flask—and co-authored a series of patents involving magnetic particle separation for clinical chemistry assays.
“Roy Eddleman’s vision and generosity are to be thanked for the creation of the Eddleman Quantum Institute and our ability to move forward with our work,” said EQI director William Evans, UC Irvine Distinguished Professor of Chemistry. “Quantum research is a truly interdisciplinary undertaking, so having scientists from three elite Southern California universities involved is a strong advantage.”
Eddleman initiated EQI in May 2020 with $1.5 million in seed funding to each of the three institutions to support postdoctoral and graduate student fellowships, scientific conferences, and foundational research in quantum science.
A second gift of $1 million per university followed in January 2021 to expand graduate fellowships. Ultimately, each school received $19,075,000—bringing Eddleman’s total support to nearly $65 million.
Since its launch, more than 75 graduate students across the three campuses—over 25 at UC Irvine alone—have benefited from Eddleman fellowships to advance their research in quantum science.
“Quantum science is poised to change the world through a next wave of technological revolutions, from nanomaterials to designer medicines,” said James Bullock, dean of UC Irvine’s School of Physical Sciences. “Roy Eddleman saw this potential with clarity, and we are thrilled to partner with his foundation to make that vision a reality.”
Added Evans: “In the five years since the Eddleman Quantum Institute was established, the three-school collaboration has generated an active program of research and education that includes undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and quantum science faculty. This will provide a pipeline for the next generation of future leaders in quantum science. This is one of the most important parts of the EQI’s mission, and it would not be possible without the magnanimity of Roy Eddleman and his foundation.”
Publicly launched on Oct. 4, 2019, the Brilliant Future campaign aims to raise awareness and support for UC Irvine. By engaging 75,000 alumni and garnering $2 billion in philanthropic investment, UC Irvine seeks to reach new heights of excellence in student success, health and wellness, research and more. The School of Physical Sciences plays a vital role in the success of the campaign.
Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.