On Oct. 7, 1991, the University of Washington (UW) announced a $12 million gift from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to recruit Lee Hood, MD, Ph.D. to Seattle from Caltech. Hood, well known for developing the automated DNA Sequencer and four other game changing instruments at Caltech — founded and chaired the UW’s Department of Molecular Biotechnology.

Hood announced December 13 he was leaving the UW to form the Institute for Systems Biology, a private research center based in Seattle.

He told the press he wants to set up an institute that will create new ways of pursuing and using biology. “In the past, biology had looked at an individual’s genes. Now we’ll study whole networks and systems,” Hood said. He will launch the institute with a $5 million grant from an anonymous donor.

In press reports, Hood also said bureaucracy hampered his efforts at the UW—especially state restrictions on professors who do contracting and consulting work.

In submitting his resignation, Hood said the move allows him to complete more effectively what he began at the UW. He also emphasized his hope that the new institute and the University will enjoy a fruitful relationship of research collaboration.

“The University of Washington has given me an incredible opportunity to realize my dream of cross-disciplinary science through formation of the unique Department of Molecular Biotechnology,” said Hood. “I see the Institute for Systems Biology as a special opportunity to extend this vision and, together with the University, to change how biology and medicine are practiced.”

Dr. Hood has also co-founded numerous life science companies, including Darwin Molecular (1992), Rosetta Inpharmatics (1996), Institute for Systems Biology (2000), and Arivale (2015), among others.