Executive Brief

Chief Philanthropy Officer
Buck Institute

April 2026

About the Buck Institute: Pioneers in the study of the biology of aging

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is the world’s first independent biomedical research institute dedicated exclusively to understanding the biology of aging and extending human healthspan. Founded in 1999 and based in California, Buck has become a globally recognized leader in longevity science and age-related disease research, operating at the intersection of biomedical discovery and translational innovation.

MISSION

The Buck's mission is to end the threat of age-related disease for current and future generations by advancing a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive aging. Buck scientists are united by a shared belief that extending healthy lifespan, enabling people to live as well at 95 as they do at 25, is an achievable scientific goal with profound societal implications.

LEADERSHIP

Because of how the Buck Institute is structured, how they conduct their research, and the elite collection of scientists they have working with, the Buck is in a unique position to define the approach for solving many of the biggest problems facing the world today. The Buck’s leadership works every day to ensure their scientists have the support and resources they need as they tackle these immense challenges.

Learn more about the team here.

Buck brings together a multidisciplinary community of world-class researchers working across aging biology, neuroscience, metabolism, and disease mechanisms. Its collaborative research model is intentionally designed to break down disciplinary silos and accelerate discovery from basic science through to translational impact.

As global attention on longevity science accelerates, driven by demographic change, rising healthcare burden, and breakthroughs in aging biology, Buck occupies a uniquely influential position within the international research ecosystem. The Institute partners with leading academic centers, industry collaborators, and philanthropic supporters to advance science with direct relevance to human health and disease prevention.

With a strong scientific foundation and increasing external visibility, the Buck Institute is entering a new phase of opportunity to expand its impact and scale its contribution to one of the most consequential scientific challenges of our time.

Philanthropic Model

Philanthropy is foundational to the Buck Institute for Research on Aging’s mission and long-term sustainability. As an independent biomedical research organization without a traditional alumni base or university funding model, Buck relies heavily on philanthropic support to advance its scientific agenda and institutional growth.

At Buck, philanthropy functions as catalytic capital, enabling early-stage, high-risk, and high-reward research that often precedes traditional federal funding. Donor investment plays a critical role in accelerating discovery, supporting innovation, and translating scientific insight into meaningful impact.

The Institute has built a significant following, with opportunities to further deepen engagement among high-capacity donors. Looking ahead, there is significant potential to expand principal and transformational philanthropy by more fully translating Buck’s science into compelling, fundable opportunities for sophisticated donors.

With increasing visibility in the field of aging research and growing relevance within the broader philanthropic landscape, Buck is well positioned to scale its fundraising efforts and build a more mature, campaign-ready development function.