Hedge fund founder donates $25 million to Stony Brook University to boost research

Stony Brook University has received a $25 million donation from the founder of a hedge fund.

The Long Island-based school says the gift from James Simons and his wife, Marilyn, will boost research by physicists and mathematicians.

The Simons Center for Geometry and Physics was founded in 2008. Experts in the two fields collaborate on researching string theory or quantifying gravity.

Simons was named a member of the National Academy of Science this year. The billionaire founded the Renaissance Technologies in East Setauket, Long Island.

The Simons have given the center a total of $105 million.

The school tells Newsday (http://nwsdy.li/1nKQeLV ) that the $25 million will replenish its endowment and help maintain the building and support its activities.

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Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com