The Skoll Foundation has pledged \$5 million to the University of Arizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. This funding will support research on pandemic-related public health threats and train new public health professionals skilled in technology and adaptation.
The donation will establish the Ending Pandemics Academy within the college’s Global Health Institute and create the Jeff Skoll Endowed Chair in Ending Pandemics. The college will also receive intellectual property and assets to aid research on communicable and chronic diseases.
University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella praised the partnership, noting the university’s important contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential to improve future preparedness.
Marla Blow, president and COO of the Skoll Foundation, highlighted how the pandemic revealed ongoing risks from infectious diseases. She expressed pride in supporting Ending Pandemics’ move to the University of Arizona, a fitting permanent home given its strong track record.
Dr. Iman Hakim, dean of the Zuckerman College, said the funds will help train digital epidemiologists who use technology and AI to fight disease and address public health challenges.
The Ending Pandemics Academy will offer students hands-on global health education to develop culturally competent public health skills. Jennifer Barton, interim vice provost for health programs, noted that AI is transforming health care and community protection, and this gift will prepare future leaders to meet these challenges.
The Jeff Skoll Endowed Chair will be part of the state’s Eminent Scholars program, which matches philanthropic support to recruit and retain top faculty. John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation, said the investment equips future leaders to protect communities worldwide.
This gift is also part of the university’s \$3 billion Fuel Wonder campaign, which supports student resources and advances research in health, cancer, engineering, space sciences, and humanities.
