$10 million latest gift fuels science at museum as Dr. Irwin Jacobs’ philanthropic giving tops over $700 million to date
San Diego Natural History Museum recently received one of the most significant gifts in its history, which will help The Nat strengthen its existing science and conservation work for decades to come.
The extraordinarily generous $10 million endowment gift from Dr. Irwin Jacobs will establish the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for Science and Conservation at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
“This landmark gift is an investment in our science and the future of our region,” explained Judy Gradwohl, the Christy Walton president and CEO of the San Diego Natural History Museum. “We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our research and ensure that our region’s biodiversity is studied, resilient, and celebrated for years to come.
It boosts our ability to employ new technology, work with partner organizations, and train the next generation of conservation scientists.”
The gift follows The Nat’s 150th anniversary celebration and helps the organization realize 82% of its $50 million Here for Nature Capital Campaign. Private donations of this size are rare and treasured, and according to Gradwohl, “This transformational contribution will help us remain at the forefront of research, deepen our impact, and expand our role as a science and conservation leader.”
“Joan and I have always believed in the power of science to make a difference,” explained Dr. Jacobs. “With this endowment, I hope to ensure that The Nat continues to lead the way in understanding and protecting the incredible biodiversity of our region. This is about investing in the future of scientific discovery and research.”
The museum uses its research collection of nearly 9 million specimens to advance conservation work in Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula. Dr. Jacobs is particularly interested in fostering the Nat’s efforts to modernize its natural history research through technological innovation and emerging science. Current projects include:
Using robotics, AI, and computer vision to streamline specimen sorting and identification and prepare insects for genomic analysis. The team is also developing California’s first insect DNA barcode library—an unprecedented step in entomology to facilitate insect biodiversity research.
Cutting-edge research that can help improve medicine for humans. Scientists from the Salk Institute are testing historical plant specimens from the Nat’s herbarium that could potentially treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
A first-of-its-kind Healthy Canyons project. Conservation biologists at The Nat are leading interdisciplinary research on local urban canyons while working with other organizations and local communities to protect these valuable green spaces.
The newly renamed Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for Science and Conservation will expand research and training opportunities for the next generation of researchers, foster collaborations with other leading academic and research and conservation organizations, and leverage the museum’s collections to inform future conservation strategies. These will ensure The Nat remains at the forefront of science and conservation for the foreseeable future.
“Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Jacobs and many others in our community, we’re poised to shape the next 150 years—driving discovery, advancing science, and inspiring generations to care for our natural world,” added Gradwohl.
The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is one of California’s oldest and most respected cultural and scientific institutions. Founded in 1874 by a small group of citizen scientists, the museum focuses on conserving nature through science and discovery.
Irwin and Joan Jacobs have donated well over $700 million to various causes, primarily in San Diego County.
Their philanthropy spans education, healthcare, arts, and science. Notable contributions include:
Over $300 million to UC San Diego, including $100 million for the Jacobs Medical Center and $120 million for the Jacobs School of Engineering.
$120 million to the San Diego Symphony.
$100 million to the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
Numerous other gifts were given to institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and Cornell Tech.
In 2010, the couple joined The Giving Pledge, committing to donating most of their wealth to philanthropy.