HHMI Tangled Bank Studios was founded in 2012 by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute as an extension of our longstanding commitment to science education. HHMI is the largest private nonprofit supporter of science education and life science research in the United States. More than 30 HHMI scientists have won the Nobel Prize – more than any other country in the world.

With the trust of and access to the scientific community, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios is uniquely positioned to shine a light on some of the most significant scientific and societal challenges - and breakthroughs - of our time. Our films have tracked major biomedical advances such as the inside story of the race for the Covid vaccine and the prospect of ending the HIV epidemic in America.

We select our projects based on the power of a story, its scientific and societal importance, and the project’s potential for impact. We focus primarily, but not exclusively, on the life sciences, and prioritize around four main themes. Our highest priority is stories that illustrate what can be done to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity.