Through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Dr. Priscilla Chan and her husband Mark Zuckerberg are investing billions to cure, prevent and manage disease globally.
Dr. Priscilla Chan has set her sights on one of the most ambitious goals in modern science — to help cure, prevent, and manage all human diseases by the end of this century.
A decade ago, Chan and her husband, Mark Zuckerberg, pledged to direct the majority of their fortune toward this mission through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). Since then, the organization has committed more than $7 billion to research programs, biotech centers, and data-driven projects aimed at unraveling the biological mysteries of the human body.
CZI’s work spans a wide spectrum of scientific efforts — from funding next-generation cell-mapping technologies to supporting bold, high-risk research projects that traditional institutions often avoid. A major focus has been advancing our understanding of how cells function at the most fundamental level, with the hope that such knowledge will unlock breakthroughs for some of the world’s most devastating illnesses.
Speaking on the Core Memory podcast last month, Dr. Chan shared insights into CZI’s evolving focus and the personal motivations behind her drive. “We believe that by deeply understanding human biology, we can empower scientists everywhere to make discoveries faster,” she said.
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However, CZI’s strategic shift has not been without criticism. Some former partners and education advocates have voiced concerns about the organization’s decision to scale back funding for education and civic engagement projects to concentrate more heavily on biomedical science.
Despite the controversy, Chan remains steadfast. Recently, CZI launched a new initiative aimed at finding cures for rare genetic diseases in children — a move that underscores her commitment to tackling conditions that have long been neglected by major pharmaceutical firms. The organization also unveiled an AI-powered model that maps cell behavior, potentially transforming how scientists study disease development and treatment.
Beyond her work in science and philanthropy, Chan’s story also includes a personal passion for tennis — a discipline she says taught her perseverance and focus, qualities that have guided her through the long-term challenge of reshaping global health.
CZI’s vision may be audacious, but Chan’s belief in science as a force for human progress remains undimmed. “This is a multi-generational effort,” she said. “But every discovery brings us closer to a future where disease no longer defines human life.”