MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS? FOOTBALL?

What Do the Seahawks and the Human Brain Have in Common?

It is Fall 2026—and we are looking forward to cheering for our winning SEAHAWKS!

But you may be wondering: What does football have to do with medical science?

Well, here is the connection.

Paul Allen—the co-founder of Microsoft and longtime owner of the Seahawks—had a deep interest in advancing human health and scientific discovery. Through his vision and generosity, he left a remarkable legacy: the Allen Institute in Seattle.

And what a legacy it is!

SCIENCE THAT MAKES YOU STOP AND THINK

The Allen Institute is doing some extraordinary—and sometimes wonderfully surprising—work. Its scientists are tackling some of the biggest questions in biology and medicine, using technology, data, and collaboration to understand life in ways that were once almost impossible to imagine.

Just consider a few of the projects:

MAPPING THE HUMAN BRAIN
Scientists are taking on what sounds like a moonshot: creating detailed maps of the human brain in the hope of helping us better understand—and ultimately fight—diseases that affect the brain.

A CELL-BY-CELL MAP OF THE ENTIRE MOUSE BRAIN
Think about that! Scientists are working to understand the brain one cell at a time. It is a little like trying to understand an entire city by learning about every single building, street, and neighborhood.

CELLULAR YOGA!
Yes, you read that correctly. Scientists are stretching cells to reveal a hidden world and learn more about how cells work and respond to their surroundings.

Who knew that science could include a little yoga?

AND THERE IS ROOM FOR MORE OF US

One of the things I find especially exciting about the Allen Institute is that its work is not only for scientists in white coats.

The Institute encourages students, educators, and others who are curious about science to become familiar with its work and explore opportunities to learn and participate.

In 2026, for example, the Allen Institute offered intensive summer workshops for undergraduate educators, hosted right here at the Institute in Seattle.

And this is where I hope we will all pay attention.

The future of scientific discovery depends on partnerships.

There are opportunities for educators, students, researchers, organizations, philanthropists, and community partners to connect with the Allen Institute and help advance scientific understanding. Whether through education, research, collaboration, or support, there are many ways to become part of this exciting work.

We do not all have to be scientists to contribute to science.

Sometimes we can contribute an idea.
Sometimes we can open a door.
Sometimes we can support a young person who dreams of becoming a scientist.
And sometimes, perhaps, we can simply become curious and tell someone else what we have learned.

IT IS A VERY EXCITING TIME TO BE ALIVE!

At 93, I have lived through an extraordinary amount of change. But I must say, the things scientists are discovering today can still make me stop and say, “Wow!”

So, this fall, while we are cheering for the Seahawks, let us also cheer for the scientists, educators, students, and visionaries who are helping us understand the human body, the brain, and the mysteries of life.

And let us remember Paul Allen’s vision—a vision that continues to encourage discovery and improve our understanding of health and science.

It is a very exciting time to be alive!

Let us be thankful for all we have, remain curious about what is possible, and—most importantly—help those in need.