 It was a unique concept in the history of mechanisms for funding basic science and the relationship between basic science and industry.Through the influence of Paul Sacher, Swiss conductor and patron of the arts and sciences, drug company Hoffmann-LaRoche committed unrestricted support of $24 million per year and freedom of design of the institute to its founding director Niels K. Jerne.Jerne retired in 1980 and was succeeded by Fritz Melchers, who generally maintained Jerne's themes and vision.