For more than 80 years The Hormel Institute has evolved into a renowned, cutting-edge medical research facility in Austin, Minnesota, that is home to expert scientists from around the world.

Started in 1942 by Jay C. Hormel, The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research department within the University of Minnesota’s Research and Innovation Office (RIO). Collaborative research partners include Masonic Cancer Center UMN (a Comprehensive Cancer Center as designated by the National Cancer Institute, NIH), Mayo Clinic (US News & World Report’s “Best Hospital in the United States”), and many other leading research centers worldwide. 

Since its inception, the Hormel Institute has been the major recipient of funds distributed from the Hormel Foundation to advance research. 

This support grew the Institute from a single lab in a renovated horse stable to the vibrant biomedical research facility that it is today and allows us to look to the future with excitement of what can be achieved.

Hormel Institute Building

 

Our Mission

The mission of The Hormel Institute is to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture. In pursuit of this mission, and as intended by its founders, The Hormel Institute generates fundamental knowledge and disseminates it to the scientific community worldwide. It also serves as a center of technical and educational expertise for the benefit of the Austin community, the surrounding region and the State of Minnesota.

 

Watch this video to learn more about The Hormel Institute: