The Harrington Family

In 2012, the Harrington family of Hudson, Ohio, became the most generous philanthropic family in the history of University Hospitals. Their transformational gift of $50 million helped establish the Harrington Discovery Institute, the first drug discovery institute of its kind dedicated to advancing the work of physician-scientists.

Photo: Ron and Nancy Harrington, Jill Harrington, Lydia and Ron Harrington, Jr.

“Our family became humbled students of heart disease after I was diagnosed. During the process, we marveled at how physician-scientists play a pivotal role in advancing discovery, yet face so many obstacles throughout the process.”

Harrington Discovery Institute was established as a key part of a pioneering global initiative — The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development — which combines a non-profit organization with impact investing partners to form a powerful system for drug development.

"Physician-scientists are at the core of what we do, but over the years we have broadened our commitment to include all scientists in areas of unmet need as we recognize the immense need for new medicines. We will continue to grow and evolve our model while remaining laser-focused on a single aim — to cure people," says Ron Harrington.