Wellcome Trust Invests $6.5 Million in System for Global Knowledge Organization

In a significant boost for scientific research and public health, the Wellcome Trust has recently announced a $6.5 million program-related investment (PRI) in System, a Public Benefit Corporation focused on creating a comprehensive model for organizing the world's data and knowledge. This marks one of the first times that a public interest technology has received such funding from the globally recognized charitable foundation, which is known for its commitment to advancing health and science.

The primary aim of this investment is to support the development of the System Graph, a sophisticated and quantitative model designed to visualize the world as one interconnected system. Adam Bly, Founder and CEO of System, emphasized the transformative potential of this funding, stating, "Wellcome's support solidifies our focus and mission as a Public Benefit Corporation, ensuring our sustainability and impact in the realm of systems-based research and solutions across the globe."

Bridging Silos in Scientific Knowledge

As global challenges such as climate change and pandemics like COVID-19 continue to emerge, the need for a unified approach to scientific knowledge cannot be overstated. Traditionally, data has been compartmentalized, creating silos that limit the ability of leaders and researchers to make informed decisions and predictions. System aims to break these barriers by employing advanced technologies such as large language models (LLMs), graph technology, and complexity science to construct a unified worldview. This model will incorporate millions of relationships and data points from diverse sources and disciplines, creating a comprehensive knowledge base.

Isabel Fletcher, Technology Manager at Wellcome, noted the fragmentation of crucial data necessary to tackle pressing health challenges. She highlighted that this investment will facilitate the integration of varied evidence streams, allowing for improved health policies and research outcomes. "This funding will be instrumental in connecting and coordinating knowledge across varied fields, ultimately resulting in improved lives across the globe," Fletcher stated.

Key Areas of Impact

The $6.5 million investment will be strategically utilized to bolster System's efforts in three primary ways:

1. Open Access to the System Graph: The funding will allow System to provide free and open access to the System Graph for non-commercial use, making vital data accessible for researchers, policymakers, and journalists.

2. Development of Open-Source Tools: The investment will also cover the creation of open-source tools that will enable users to generate dynamic, evidence-based systems maps on various topics. These tools will focus initially on public health and biomedical research, with downloadable datasets for further research and analysis.

3. Hosting an Annual Conference: System plans to use part of the investment to host an annual conference that will address systems-based solutions to some of the world's most significant challenges.

Commitment to Public Benefit

The collaboration with Wellcome reinforces System's commitment to its role as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). Under the terms of the investment agreement, System cannot amend its charter in ways that would compromise its mission without Wellcome's consent. This ensures a long-term dedication to advancing public knowledge and facilitating systems thinking within society.

System prides itself on promoting open data and open science, endorsing educational initiatives to enhance systems literacy while committing to the scientific method. The organization plans to start releasing snapshots of the System Graph into the public domain starting in 2026.

About System

System is pioneering the creation of knowledge infrastructure aimed at transforming decision-making processes from isolated silos to interconnected systems, with healthcare as a starting point. Its technology is already utilized by prominent healthcare providers throughout the U.S. and Europe to drive innovative clinical decision support systems (CDSS). At its core is the System Graph, a patented and vast statistical graph that represents the world as a single interconnected entity, continually updated based on reliable evidence sources. As a Public Benefit Corporation, System is deeply committed to fostering systems thinking on a global scale.

About Wellcome

Wellcome is dedicated to supporting science as a means to tackle pressing health challenges. Their focus encompasses a wide range of urgent health issues, including mental health, infectious diseases, and the intricate relationship between climate and health.