Building the Next Generation of Fusion Scientists: Griffin Catalyst Founder Ken Griffin's $5 Million Gift to UCLA

Ken Griffin has made a $5 million gift to UCLA to advance research and education in fusion science, a field with the potential to transform how the world produces clean energy.

The funding will support new interdisciplinary initiatives at the intersection of fusion science and engineering, helping position UCLA as a leader in the global effort to develop safe, reliable, and carbon-free energy sources.

For more than a century, scientists have worked to unlock the secrets of nuclear fusion—the process that powers the sun and stars. Fusion offers the possibility of virtually limitless energy without the risks associated with traditional nuclear power, such as meltdowns or long-lived radioactive waste, and without producing greenhouse gas emissions.

Ken’s gift will establish the Kenneth C. Griffin Fusion Science and Engineering Endowed Chair and support the creation of a new master’s degree program in fusion science and engineering. The accelerated program, housed in UCLA’s Division of Physical Sciences in partnership with the Samueli School of Engineering, will equip students with the skills needed to contribute to this rapidly evolving field.

“I’m proud to support UCLA in advancing this vital research and training the next generation of fusion engineers, physicists, and researchers,” said Ken.

The initiative comes at a time of growing momentum in fusion research, driven by recent scientific breakthroughs and increased private-sector investment. Demand for talent continues to outpace supply, creating significant opportunities for students trained in fusion science and related disciplines.

“Ken Griffin’s support advances fusion science at a moment when interdisciplinary research is essential to addressing global challenges,” said UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk, who was president of the University of Miami when Griffin made a $50 million gift to its Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2024. “At UCLA, our research community works at the boundaries of knowledge to translate discovery into impact for society. This investment accelerates that progress.”

The endowed chair will play a central role in leading the new program and expanding UCLA’s research capabilities in plasma science and engineering—areas where the university already has established strengths.

In addition to furthering Ken’s support to UCLA, where he gave $5 million to the Geffen Academy at UCLA in 2023, this gift builds on his long record of supporting STEM education, scientific research, entrepreneurship, and innovation to advance U.S. competitiveness.