Tribute to pioneering benefactor Jim Simons

We are saddened to hear of the death of James ‘Jim’ Simons, whose generous donations made him one of the largest benefactors to the University.

Simons was a world-leading mathematician, hedge fund investor and renowned philanthropist.

His giving has enabled vital research at Edinburgh into better understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by autism and intellectual disability.

In 1982 he founded the quantitative hedge fund Renaissance Technologies in New York. Employing fellow scientists to pioneer mathematical investment models, the company would go on to become one of world’s most prominent hedge funds. 

Following his successes in the investment world, Simons and his wife, Dr Marilyn Simons, donated billions of dollars to philanthropic causes.

They established the Simons Foundation in 1994 to support projects and research in mathematics and the basic sciences.

In 2017, their support helped establish the Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain (SIDB) research centre at the University.

The Foundation has pledged more than £80 million to date to support the centre, which provides insights into autism and helps improve the lives of those affected by the condition.

Simons also supported the School of Mathematics in a number of ways. He funded PhD students in memory of a former member of staff, providing major grants for academics to undertake international collaborations.  

Simons received an honorary doctorate of science from the University for his contribution to mathematics in 2016.

In 2021, Jim and Marilyn Simons received the Distinction of University Benefactor in recognition of their philanthropic work through the Simons Foundation.

Research into the mechanism of brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders at the University of Edinburgh has been transformed by Jim and Marilyn’s vision. We will be forever grateful for his foresight and his generosity. Our thoughts are with Jim’s family at this time.

Related links

Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain

Jim Simons obituary – the Simons Foundation

_{Image credit: Douglas Robertson Photography}