image: Julie Harris, Ph.D., Vice President of The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group
Credit: Allen Institute
SEATTLE, WASH.—December 17, 2024—The Allen Institute today announced the appointment of Julie Harris as the new Vice President of The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group. Harris was previously Executive Vice President of Research Management at the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund where she oversaw the funding strategy and research priorities for a ~$29 million grant portfolio in support of the most promising science and scientists working to end the burden of Alzheimer’s disease.
Between 2011 and 2020 Harris worked at the Allen Institute for Brain Science as a researcher and Associate Director of Neuroanatomy where she played pivotal roles building several of the Institute’s signature, foundational open science resources, including the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas.
“We are thrilled to welcome Julie back to the Allen Institute in her new role as Vice President. Julie's deep knowledge of the Institute's science, dating back to its early days, will help us expand our global impact in life sciences and human health,” said Rui Costa, D.V.M., Ph.D., President and CEO of the Allen Institute. “Julie also brings valuable experience from industry and funding landscapes, which will be instrumental in launching new projects and fostering innovative collaborations."
Harris was also Vice President of Preclinical Biology at Cajal Neuroscience, a Seattle biotech startup focused on identifying therapies for neurodegenerative disease.
“I am extremely excited to be returning to the Allen Institute. Truly game-changing science opens entirely new fields with impact that exceeds expectations,” said Harris. “Ideas can come from surprising sources, and I look forward to working with The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group to find and support these vital discoveries.”
Harris received a B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University, a Ph.D. in Neurobiology and Behavior from the University of Washington, and has 50 peer-reviewed publications to her name.
About the Allen Institute
The Allen Institute is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization founded by philanthropist and visionary, the late Paul G. Allen. The Allen Institute is dedicated to answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience and accelerating research worldwide. The Institute is a recognized leader in large-scale research with a commitment to an open science model. Its research institutes and programs include the Allen Institute for Brain Science, launched in 2003; the Allen Institute for Cell Science, launched in 2014; the Allen Institute for Immunology, launched in 2018; and the Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics, launched in 2021. In 2016, the Allen Institute expanded its reach with the launch of The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, which identifies pioneers with new ideas to expand the boundaries of knowledge and make the world better. For more information, visit alleninstitute.org.
About The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group
The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, a division of the Allen Institute, is dedicated to exploring the landscape of bioscience to identify and foster ideas that will change the world. The Frontiers Group recommends funding to the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, which then invests through award mechanisms to accelerate our understanding of biology, including: Allen Discovery Centers at partner institutions for leadership-driven, compass-guided research; and Allen Distinguished Investigators for frontier explorations with exceptional creativity and potential impact. The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group was founded in 2016 by the late philanthropist and visionary Paul G. Allen. For more information, visit alleninstitute.org/division/frontiers-group/
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