Immunology Society Split Over California’s $8.4 B Proposition 38 Funding Measure

Internal emails obtained by STAT reveal a sharp split within the American Association of Immunologists over California’s Proposition 38, a ballot measure that would direct $8.4 billion of taxpayer money to immunology research.

The association’s policy and advocacy committee, after learning that a large portion of the funds could flow to a research center co‑founded by billionaire philanthropist Gary Michelson, recommended that the society withdraw its endorsement of the measure.

Despite that recommendation, the governing council voted in August to maintain the endorsement after meeting with Michelson. According to an email from the director of government affairs, five council members voted to keep the endorsement, one opposed, and two abstained.

The division highlights concerns among members about the potential influence of private donors on the allocation of public research dollars, even as the measure promises a substantial boost to the field.