Alice Schwartz working in a laboratory

About Us

The Alles Institute for Medical Research advances scientific discovery and improves healthcare by underwriting cutting-edge investigations in autoimmune disease. Through basic and applied research, the Institute aims to find underlying causes and potential treatments for a variety of autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 diabetes. The Institute also supports the development of advanced methodologies to improve the discovery process.

Autoimmune disease affects millions of people. Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and dozens of other disorders are caused when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Symptoms often manifest as inflammation and soreness, which can make accurate medical diagnosis complicated. Some autoimmune reactions can have debilitating effects, leaving a person in chronic pain with vision or coordination issues. While treatment options are available for some autoimmune reactions, further research is needed for many others.

Existing grant funding is currently divided among many important areas of medical research. Scientists spend a great deal of time finding sources of funding for their research, taking away essential hours at the lab bench. The Alles Institute feels that autoimmune disease is a top priority for the improvement of healthcare.

The Schwartz family created the Alles Institute to provide sustained support to innovative scientists. As founders of Bio-Rad Laboratories, a manufacturer and distributor of specialized laboratory reagents and equipment, they have a lifelong interest in scientific research and a deep understanding of laboratory practices and healthcare. The work of investigators fuels advances in health and medicine, and the Alles Institute aims to encourage and support them.