Matthew Grace, PhD: Imagining—and creating—the future

For the whole of his career, Matthew Grace, PhD, has applied his expertise in chemical physics toward reshaping society’s collective future. His specific quest: help advance the reality of quantum computers. It’s a lofty goal, one that scientists, engineers and mathematicians have been pursuing for decades. So, Grace well understands the unwavering dedication required to succeed at the forefront of human knowledge.

He recognizes that same sense of purpose at Scripps Research and for more than a decade has been making regular donations to the institute, supporting the efforts of scientists working at the leading edge of their own fields. Life-changing advancements that benefit humankind take time. And they’re well worth the effort.

“I think that Scripps Research scientists are improving the quality of life through the quality of their science,” Grace says. “I’m not in a position to give large amounts, but I believe in donating regularly.”

Currently living in northern California, Grace has felt the presence of Scripps Research almost throughout his life. He earned his undergraduate degree at Florida Atlantic University, right next to the Jupiter campus of Scripps Research. His advisor there, who had graduated from the University of California, San Diego—adjacent to the La Jolla campus of Scripps Research—brought the institute to his attention. Then, while completing his doctoral degree at Princeton, Grace began following the institute’s activities and accomplishments. His interest grew. “I found that they were making good progress toward solving important problems,” he says, and that spurred his decision to lend his financial support.

“The work that Scripps Research pursues is extremely relevant to the human condition,” he says, listing research into dementia, viruses and cancer as prime examples. “The scientists there are working to understand the kinds of health issues that are likely to affect me later in life.”

And now. Grace’s sister is undergoing treatment following a diagnosis of HER2+ breast cancer and is benefiting from brotherly care. “I want to be there for my sister,” says Grace, “to help her in any way I can. I know, also, that my support of Scripps Research will, combined with the support of other donors, eventually lead to better outcomes for patients with cancer.”