Ragon Institute
The Ragon Institute’s journey is rooted in groundbreaking research, global collaboration, and a commitment to harnessing the immune system to prevent and cure human disease. From its early days as a response to the AIDS epidemic to its evolution into a leading research institution that studies a range of diseases, the Ragon Institute has continually expanded its mission and impact. Our story reflects the Institute’s major milestones – the partnerships it has formed, the advances it has made in immunology, infectious diseases, and global health, and the people it has served.
In 1981, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) encountered its first cases of AIDS, an illness that would soon become a global epidemic. The emergence of these early cases marked the beginning of MGH’s ongoing involvement in HIV/AIDS care and research. As the disease rapidly spread and affected countless individuals, MGH recognized the urgent need to develop effective treatments and initiate research efforts.
In response to the growing HIV epidemic, MGH launched its HIV Research Program in 1982, marking a significant step toward addressing the crisis. This program was one of the first of its kind and focused on studying the virus’s effects on the immune system, developing diagnostic tests, and exploring treatment options. The foundation laid by this early program was crucial for later breakthroughs in HIV treatment and care, as it provided a structured and scientific approach to studying the disease.
The Partners AIDS Research Center (PARC) was founded in 1995 at MGH, expanding the hospital’s commitment to HIV/AIDS research. PARC provided a collaborative platform where scientists could focus on direct research of the virus. Over the years, PARC laid the groundwork for what would later become the Ragon Institute.
In 1998, Dr. Bruce Walker and his team initiated collaborations with scientists in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, one of the regions hardest hit by the HIV epidemic. The aim was to understand immune responses in HIV-infected individuals, particularly in infants. This partnership was not just about scientific research; it also focused on building local capacity and infrastructure to enable ongoing studies within the community. These early efforts became the foundation for long-term projects such as the establishment of the Doris Duke Medical Research Institute.
The opening of the Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (DDMRI) in 2003 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal marked a milestone in African medical research. This institute, established with the support of Dr. Bruce Walker and collaborators through a gift from the Doris Duke Foundation, became the first dedicated medical research facility at an African university. The DDMRI focused on HIV and TB research, providing state-of-the-art labs and resources to study these diseases at their epicenter. It also served as a training ground for African scientists, promoting research autonomy in the region.
In 2007, Dr. Bruce Walker met Phillip “Terry” Ragon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of InterSystems, who was deeply interested in supporting healthcare initiatives. The two traveled to South Africa, where they witnessed firsthand the HIV epidemic’s impact and the need for research infrastructure and support. This meeting was the catalyst for the Ragon Institute’s formation, as both shared a vision for harnessing the immune system’s power to fight global infectious diseases. This unlikely meeting set the stage for the Institute’s establishment as a globally recognized center for immunology.
The Ragon Institute was officially founded in 2009, through a transformative gift from Phillip “Terry” Ragon and Susan M. Ragon. A partnership between Mass General Brigham, MIT, and Harvard, the Institute was created with a mission to use immunology research to combat infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS. By bringing together experts from diverse fields—including medicine, engineering, and biology—the Ragon Institute established itself as a collaborative center for innovative research aimed at developing effective treatments and vaccines.
In 2013, the Ragon Institute moved its operations to a state-of-the-art facility at 400 Technology Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This relocation provided the Institute with a larger, more collaborative space designed to foster innovation and cross-disciplinary research. The new facility allowed for expanded laboratory capacity and brought together scientists, engineers, and clinicians under one roof, promoting synergy in research projects. The move was a key step in the Institute’s growth, enabling more impactful work on global health issues.
The Ragon Institute welcomed Dr. Facundo Batista as its Scientific Director in 2016. Dr. Batista, a leading expert in immunology, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience that significantly expanded the Institute’s research capabilities. His appointment, supported by the Ragon Foundation, strengthened the Institute’s mission to advance immunology research and global health initiatives.
In May 2019, the Ragon Institute celebrated its 10th anniversary, commemorating a decade of scientific achievements and global partnerships. The event highlighted the Institute’s successes in developing new therapies, advancing immunology research, and creating global health programs. Attendees included collaborators, scientists, and community leaders who have supported the Institute’s mission over the years. This milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and set ambitious goals for the Institute’s future growth and impact.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the Ragon Institute rapidly redirected its resources to focus on COVID-19 research. Leveraging its expertise in immunology and infectious diseases, the Institute quickly mobilized efforts to understand the virus, develop vaccines, and create diagnostic tools. This swift response demonstrated the Institute’s flexibility and ability to tackle global health crises in real time.
In 2021, the Ragon Institute broke ground on its new research facility. The construction of this building marked a significant investment in the Institute’s future, providing expanded laboratory space and modern amenities designed to further facilitate collaborative research efforts. The new facility is intended to support a growing community of scientists, engineers, and clinicians working together to harness the immune system’s power. The building will also serve as a hub for international collaboration and community engagement in scientific discovery.
In June 2024, the Ragon Institute opened its 323,000 square-foot headquarters at 600 Main St. in Kendall Square, Cambridge. The state-of-the-art, LEED Gold-certified facility features advanced labs, sustainable design elements, and green spaces, supporting the Institute’s mission to harness the immune system to fight disease. The opening ribbon-cutting celebration included Governor Maura Healey, the Ragon family, and leaders from Harvard, MIT, and Mass General Brigham, reflecting the institute’s importance to the region and its position as a leading research institute.
This milestone marked the next phase of the Ragon Institute’s mission, offering state-of-the-art resources to scientists working on solutions for some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
Learn MoreAs a non-profit institution, the Ragon relies on the generosity of our benefactors to advance our world-changing research. Whether giving to labs at the Ragon, outreach programs in the Boston area, or research programs in South Africa, one of the greatest catalysts in going from novel ideas to treatments and cures is flexible philanthropic support from donors — and your gift could make all the difference.