Penn Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) today announced the appointment of Eric M. Morrow, MD, PhD, as the founding director of the Lurie Autism Institute. Morrow will assume this role on September 1, 2026, and will join the departments of Pediatrics and Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylvania.
The appointment marks a pivotal milestone for the Lurie Autism Institute, launched by a transformational, $50 million gift from Jeffrey Lurie Family Foundation and the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation in 2025. It is the largest single donation to a U.S. academic medical center focused on autism research across the lifespan. The institute will serve as a nationally and globally recognized hub for autism spectrum disorder research, collaboration, clinical care, and advocacy. The institute's headquarters and research laboratories will be located on Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's campus, spanning adjacent buildings to facilitate close collaboration and discovery between Penn Medicine and CHOP.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Morrow to lead this once-in-a-generation initiative," said Jonathan A. Epstein, dean of the Perelman School of Medicine and executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System. "His extraordinary depth of scientific and clinical expertise in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders, combined with his collaborative approach and longstanding ties to both Penn and CHOP, position him to drive the kind of cross-disciplinary discovery that this moment demands."
"At Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, we see firsthand how autism affects children and families," said Madeline Bell, chief executive officer of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Dr. Morrow is an extraordinary scientist who is committed to translating research into life-changing breakthroughs in care. Under his leadership, the Lurie Autism Institute will focus on finding innovative ways to deliver better care and outcomes for patients throughout their lives."
Following a highly competitive national search that attracted outstanding candidates across the country, Morrow emerged as the primary choice. His extensive knowledge of autism spectrum disorder, rigorous research program, and longstanding research collaboration with Penn Medicine and CHOP distinguished him as a visionary leader for the institute's ambitious mission.
"From the very beginning, our family's vision for the Lurie Autism Institute has been to create something truly transformational for the millions of families touched by autism around the world," said Jeffrey Lurie, chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles and founder of the Eagles Autism Foundation. "Dr. Morrow is exactly the kind of bold, rigorous, and compassionate leader this institute requires. His decades of scientific achievement, deep commitment to the autism community, and belief in the power of partnership give us tremendous confidence that the institute will make life-changing discoveries. We are so excited to continue this journey together."
