Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, has made "an unprecedented eight-figure donation" to the renowned Science Museum in London aimed at creating a dedicated space to tell the story of vaccines and highlight their powerful role as one of humanity's greatest healthcare innovations. The Science Museum, on Wednesday, made the announcement regarding the largest international donation in the museum’s history, made by Pune-based Serum Institute of India, led by Adar Poonawalla, CEO. The donation will be used to transform one of the museum’s most iconic spaces – the Making the Modern World gallery – which is set to re-open in 2028 as 'Ages of Invention: The Serum Institute Gallery'. Ages of Invention: The Serum Institute Gallery will feature objects like the telescope used by astronomer Caroline Herschel (1795); the world’s oldest surviving steam locomotive, Puffing Billy (1813-1814); J.J. Thomson's cathode ray tube used in the discovery of the electron (1897); Tucker Sno-cat used in the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctica Expedition (1955), and Tracy, one of the first transgenic sheep (1990-97). Adar Poonawalla told The Indian Express that vaccines have saved countless lives and helped prevent pandemics throughout history. "The space also features a range of other scientific stories and exhibitions," he said while preferring not to reveal the donation amount. Poonawalla added that museums are great places to showcase stories, journeys, and innovations of mankind to children and adults. In an official statement issued later, Poonawalla said that the company feels honoured to support the Science Museum’s unwavering commitment to fostering curiosity and discovery. "We have always been at the forefront of scientific discoveries and innovation. With this contribution, which will help in bringing in a transformation to this iconic space, we strive to inspire the future generations and celebrate the incredible journey of science that shapes our world,” Poonawalla said. Serum Institute of India is part of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group. The Science Museum is part of the Science Museum Group, the world’s leading group of science museums that share a world-class collection providing an enduring record of scientific, technological, and medical achievements from across the globe. Sir Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive of the Science Museum Group, said in a statement, "Through our ambitious new Ages of Invention: The Serum Institute Gallery, we will create the most significant display of objects from the history of science anywhere in the world.”
