Pune: Serum Institute Of India Donates Historic Eight-Figure Sum To London’s Science Museum For New ‘Ages Of Invention’ Gallery
Pune: Serum Institute Of India Donates Historic Eight-Figure Sum To London’s Science Museum For New ‘Ages Of Invention’ Gallery
London/Pune, October 10, 2025: The Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine producer, has made a landmark eight-figure donation to London’s Science Museum — marking the biggest international contribution in the museum’s history. The donation, made under the leadership of Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SII, will help revamp one of the museum’s most iconic spaces, the Making the Modern World gallery.
The redeveloped space will reopen in 2028 as Ages of Invention: The Serum Institute Gallery, dedicated to showcasing humanity’s greatest scientific milestones, including the story of vaccines and their life-saving role in public health.
The upcoming gallery will feature historic scientific artefacts such as astronomer Caroline Herschel’s 1795 telescope, the world’s oldest surviving steam locomotive Puffing Billy (1813–1814), J.J. Thomson’s cathode ray tube used to discover the electron (1897), a Tucker Sno-cat from the 1955 Commonwealth Trans-Antarctica Expedition, and Tracy, one of the first transgenic sheep (1990–1997).
Adar Poonawalla expressed that vaccines have been among the most transformative innovations in human history, saving millions of lives and preventing pandemics. “Museums are vital spaces to showcase the stories, journeys, and breakthroughs of human progress,” he said.
In an official statement, Poonawalla added, “We are honoured to support the Science Museum’s dedication to curiosity and discovery. With this contribution, we aim to inspire future generations and celebrate the remarkable journey of science that continues to shape our world.”
Sir Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive of the Science Museum Group, described the upcoming gallery as a monumental step in preserving the global history of science. “Through Ages of Invention: The Serum Institute Gallery, we will create the most significant display of scientific and technological objects anywhere in the world. Visitors will be able to journey through 250 years of innovation and explore the scientific ideas shaping our lives today. Thanks to Mr Poonawalla’s generous support, the architectural expertise of Lawson Ward Studio and the remarkable stories of scientific achievements featured in the new gallery, we will ignite the curiosity of the future scientists and innovators needed to meet the challenges facing the world.” he said.
The Science Museum, part of the globally renowned Science Museum Group, holds one of the world’s most extensive collections documenting achievements in science, technology, and medicine.
The partnership between the Serum Institute of India and the Science Museum represents a milestone in international collaboration, uniting innovation, education, and philanthropy to inspire future generations of scientists and innovators.
