Open Philanthropy recommended a grant of $1,769,056 over two years to the University of Notre Dame to continue support for Dr. Gregory Timp’s work developing an instrument that uses a sub-nanometer-diameter pore (i.e. a sub-nanopore) to read the amino acid sequence of whole protein molecules. If successful, Open Philanthropy believes this tool could facilitate a wide range of basic biological research and ultimately allow for rapid detection of pathogens, thereby improving the diagnosis and treatment of disease as well as potentially improving Open Philanthropy’s ability to respond to pandemic threats.
This follows Open Philanthropy’s June 2017 support, which it recommended as part of its “second chance” program for NIH Transformative Research applicants. It falls within its work on scientific research, specifically within its interest in advancing tools and techniques.